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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T10:09:25Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the la Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrow”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and black. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence leads to negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought, there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... Vut, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother, Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she was of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise all the time. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with You and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did that... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “Everything I said came from the bottom of my heart. Why can't this girl understand that?” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T07:52:36Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the la Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrow”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and black. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence leads to negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought, there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... Vut, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother, Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she was of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise all the time. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with You and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T07:46:45Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the la Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrow”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and black. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence leads to negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought, there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... Vut, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother, Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she was of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T07:44:54Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the la Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrow”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and black. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence leads to negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought, there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... Vut, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother, Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-27T07:39:41Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor that the la Vallière family is treacherous will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrow”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and black. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence leads to negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought, there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... Vut, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother, Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Besides, I cannot re-marry for another three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, she hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, in the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please.”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“I did no such thing.”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. Already, the atmosphere he was in meant he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used so much of the Gandálfr’s powers. One could say, Saito knew perfectly well that he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

With his ears caught, Saito was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

However, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-25T07:45:48Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... But, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Even though I shouldn’t be marrying within three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, he hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, at the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, ''Iya'', my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“There’s no such thing”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. The atmosphere was already an atmosphere in which he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used the Gandálfr’s powers so much. That aside, Saito knew perfectly well that if it had become like this, he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

Saito’s ears were caught and he was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

But, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-25T07:43:55Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]] - [30% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière]]
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-25T07:42:50Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]] - [30% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière]
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-25T07:37:53Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... But, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Even though I shouldn’t be marrying within three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, he hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, at the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

As Saito jumped into the front garden, where the gate was located, he became pale. It seemed like he wouldn’t make it. It seemed like Saito, who was using the Gandálfr’s power, wouldn’t be able to jump over the wide canal.

As he thought “We’ve been driven into a corner!”, the chain, that was holding the drawbridge changed color. Influenced by “Alchemy” the chain turned into soft soil and crumbled to the ground. The bridge, that had lost its support, fell down.

Saito ran over the bridge.

As he was crossing it, a carriage jumped out of nowhere. Surprisingly the carriage wasn’t being pulled by horses, but by one dragon.

Shivering in fear, Siesta was sitting in the coachman’s seat.

“Fast! Get on fast, please!”

After pushing Louise into the carriage, Saito jumped onto it as well.

“W-Why a dragon?”

“I don’t know! But, if there were horses, wouldn’t they run away? Um, that’s, Miss Cattleya told me so! Kyaa! Kyaa, kyaa! Anyway, dragons are scary! Their faces are scary!”, screaming that, Siesta stroke the brittle in a daze.

“Let’s switch” Saito said, received the bristle from Siesta and sat down on the coachman’s seat. Siesta smiled and cuddled with Saito. In the seat behind Louise was about to snap, as she watched that scene, but endured. She remembered Saito’s words from earlier. “I like you”, he said. How many times did he say it…

Well, I’ll allow that much. No matter what, a noble feeling jealousy towards a commoner is strange. She smiled and kept her composure, as if she didn’t care. As Louise did that Siesta quickly brought her head hers.

“Um, please forgive my rudeness. Miss…”

“Hm?”

“It seems that when I got drunk I told you some impolite things… It’s a bad habit. It appears that whenever I, um, whenever I get drunk my behavior is different from usual. Yes”

Siesta excused herself for her violent behavior.

“Well, it’s fine. From now on try to keep yourself together”, Louise replied with the composure of a woman that has won in love.

“Thank You very much!”

Siesta slowly pulled her head away from Louise. After that she cuddled up with Saito.

Aaah, they’re too close. But since we were even closer earlier it should be fine for now. Only for a bit. It’s charity.

“But… Saito-san, you sure are a gentleman”

“Hm? I am?”

“That’s right! Because even though I’m so close to you… you’re not doing anything”

“T-That’s… of course I wouldn’t”

Louise smiled. Well of course, that’s because you aren’t charming at all. Even though you told me that I’m like a plank. It’s strange. It’s the plank’s victory~. And therefore it’s the stupid maid’s loss~.

“Well, that being said, Iya, my shirt’s button got unfastened”

Louise’s eyebrow rose up.

“Eh? Well, that’s probably because you were moving around so much. Haahaa”

“Well, that’s why I always tell you…”

Siesta said with a small voice as she brought her face near Saito’s ear. However, it reached Louise’s ears pretty clearly. Anyway, this was Siesta’s feint jab.

“W-What?”

“If you want to see, say so. I won’t hide anything. There’s no need to restraint yourself at all~”

Aah, Siesta. What a thing to say.

From the back seat, the loud sound of the shaking air could be heard. Or rather it wasn’t the air that was shaking, it was Louise.

“I see”

“You see?”

“My familiar unfastened the maid’s button, huh”

“Your familiar unfastened the button. Because I seemed to be in pain”

“Save the explanations”

“But it’s not an explanation”

“Miss! There was no other way! Saito-san was worried! He was worried, because he likes me!”

Aah, Siesta, don’t add oil instead of water to a burning fire.

Saito started denying even though he knew it was pointless.

“There’s no such thing”

“You say that, but you were looking at Chii-neesama as well”

“Just a bit”

“After all you deserve treatment worse than a dog’s”

A useless politeness. The atmosphere was already an atmosphere in which he couldn’t make any objections. That said, Saito was very tired because he had used the Gandálfr’s powers so much. That aside, Saito knew perfectly well that if it had become like this, he couldn’t make any objections no matter what.

Saito’s ears were caught and he was pulled into the carriage.

“Miss! Calm down! Miss la Vallière!”

“It’s fine. Everything will be over soon. How should I say it~, it’s definitely fate. That’s what I think”

Saito smiled and vanished inside.

Saito rolled down onto the floor. Louise came upon him.

“First off, everything you and I said in that boat earlier was a mistake”

“Yes. I understand”

“From today on, I think a brake is necessary. And you?”

“Being told only that, I’m thankful”

But, the brake never came.

Saito’s screams could be heard for a long time in the la Vallière’s territory.

<center>* * *</center>

As she was watching the coach that was disappearing in the distance, Cattleya smiled. After that she suddenly started coughing violently. She had exhausted her physical strength with the “Alchemy” incantation she used earlier.

In her field of vision she could see the drawbridge in the distance. Because she used the incantation from such a great distance, quite a bit of her Will Force was used up.

Inside the room a thrush was singing.

It was the small wounded bird that she had picked up and bandaged a while back. She gazed at the thrush inside the cage for a while and then Cattleya gave a kind smile.

She opened the cage’s lid and put her hand inside. The thrush jumped into her hand. After she took it out from inside, she unfastened the bandages.

She stretched her hand out through the window. The thrush that was on it peered into Cattleya’s face and inclined its head to the side in doubt. As if she was questioning her.

“It’s fine. Now it’s fine”

The thrush stared at the sky. And then it flapped its wings.

Cattleya looked at the thrush that was flying about in the sky.

Quietly, for a long time, Cattleya gazed at it.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-25T05:39:32Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... But, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Even though I shouldn’t be marrying within three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, he hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, at the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face, Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, her Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with the angriest face of all, stood her Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began shouting and was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wondering if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and then with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-25T05:34:56Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... But, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical word, it stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I'm not prepared yet and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am a Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Even though I shouldn’t be marrying within three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, he hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I like you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost her strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, at the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



The castle’s employees had gathered around, surrounding the pond.

With a stiffened face Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, a Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with an incredibly angry face, stood a Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began, when he was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice, full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wonder if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and, with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-24T22:32:35Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

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== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]] - [30% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière]] - [85% Translated]
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-24T22:30:06Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Chapter 2 will finish getting translated at a later point in time. Until then, feel free to look at [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2188 my Chapter 2 synopsis]

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carpet spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had a monocle and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked briskly to the duke, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his robe was properly lined.

The Duke inquired in a bitter baritone voice “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunlit balcony. The table was drawn out, in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war...

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-brained idiot!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me... “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-brained idiot like that a “Cardinal”. Idiot, idiot is more than enough. Even more, taking advantage of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise who had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from the side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But...”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will blockade that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it runs out of resources. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. However, what are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”

Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father...”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise... you...”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“To the Princess... no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is...”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but... I...”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regret when I was being compared to my sisters and was told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“...You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will it be ok to lie to her own Father? For a moment Louise was troubled. And... opening her lips, she told a lie.

“... Fire”

“Fire?”

For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. ... In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father...”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However... As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must...”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy... But, to me, berrege is fill...(marriage is still)...”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl... I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but... she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl...”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world... if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier...”

“As I said, I haven’t...”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

<center>* * *</center>

The afternoon came. Because Saito didn’t have any more tasks, he lied down on the bed in the storage room and stared at the ceiling. As he looked around the room, while lying down on the bed, he noticed some somewhat white sheets placed upon a box, that were left there by him, and he felt a bit pained. Ever since he came to the la Vallière’s house that was all his existence merited to. A small, meaningless existence.

Since Siesta had returned to her own room Saito was all alone now. Just as he was absent-mindedly thinking what he should, he realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast yet and he wasn’t going to get anything to eat, unless he went and took something himself... at that moment came the sound of the Castle’s servants running around the stone-paved corridors.

“Where? Have you found her?”

“No, not this way!” the voices were saying something like that. It seems they were searching for someone.

Just as he was wondering what they’re searching for, the door opened with a bang. Several younglings jumped in, held Saito down and started searching through the storage room.

“What the heck are you guys doing?!”, Saito shouted, “Doesn’t seem to be here”, and, ignoring him, the guys that held Saito down left the room.

“What the hell just happened?” as Saito thought to himself, this time there was a knock on the door.

“It’s open” he said, but the knocking continued.

If it was Louise or Siesta, they’d immediately make a rude entrance as soon as he said that. Remembering that a person that, even after being told that he can, doesn’t open the door himself, can’t be a bad person, Saito opened the door.

And there a woman, with pinkish blonde hair and reddish brown eyes, was standing.

For a moment he thought “Louise?”, but it wasn’t. She was taller than Louise. She had kind eyes and a smiling face without even a bit of ill intent on it.

It was Cattleya.

“U, umm, that...”

While blushing, Saito looked at her with a confused look.

“Is it ok to come in?”

“Y-Yes! Please!”

With a respectful bow, Saito ushered her in.

“Sorry for intruding” saying that, Cattleya stack out her tongue at him.

She was so cute that Saito’s heart started racing. Naturally, he prefers Louise. However, because of her character, that wasn’t an expression that appeared on her face. He felt that you really had to hand it down to this kind Big Sister.

With a feeling different from that towards Louise, he looked at Cattleya sitting down on the bed with a small devilish smile floating up on her face.

She gave off a sense different from Siesta’s “healthy” sex appeal.

It was also different from Henrietta’s sex appeal that was brought up by the balanced danger that came from the fact that she is of high class.

It differed from Kirche’s “shaking, almost violent” sex appeal as well.

Of course, it was also different from Louise’s “hard to break apart” sex appeal.

With a light smile, it was a sex appeal that felt as if it was wrapping you up.

“Will Louise also become like this when she grows up? If that’s the case, then Louise is a definite “Buy”, huuh,” while those thoughts were floating around his head, Cattleya seemed more and more charming.

“When Louise grows up, she won’t look like me, you know”

Because she suddenly said that while laughing, Saito jumped up.

[[Image:ZnT06-089.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh? No! I wasn’t!... I wasn’t thinking about stuff like that! Yes!”

“Is that so? But you definitely seemed like you were thinking if Louise is going to look like me in the future...”

Wow, what a sharp woman,

“Louise will definitely become even more charming when she grows up, so calm down. But she probably won’t become any taller”

Thinking that it would be more than enough as long as she resembles her sister in the breast area, Saito kept opening and closing his lips.

“You, what’s your name?”

“It’s Saito. Yes”

“My, what a lovely name, isn’t it”

It was the first time he got his name praised since he came here.

“Hey, what kind of person are you? You’re not a person from Halkeginia, are you? Having said that, it feels more like you’re a completely different human from your very core. Are you?”

As he was being examined like that, Saito was surprised. What’s this? She found out that I’m from a different world? Or more like, did Louise tell her?

“Fufu. Your face is saying that you’re wondering why I know. But I understand you. It just seems that I am unusually sharp”

“Y-Yeah...”

“But, things like that are of no importance. Thank you very much. Truly”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for helping that selfish Louise so many times. There is no way that little girl would get Her Majesty’s recognition if she was alone. You definitely helped her along the way. That’s true, isn’t it?”

What will be a good answer? Or more like, how much should he tell her? Seeing Saito worried like that, Cattleya laughed lightly.

“There are things you can’t tell me, hmm. It’s fine. Now then... it’s regrettable, but I have to inform you”

“Eh?”

“Louise’s talk with Father didn’t go well. Because of that, she was told that she has to find a son-in-law. And she then disappeared off to somewhere”

“Really?”

So the employees that barged in earlier on were searching for Louise. Saito said “Achaa...” and covered his face.

“Father wants Louise to get married. That girl is troubled as well. And just after a while back her fiancée turned out to be a traitor, now she has to get another engagement. Even though she’s still so young”

Cattleya muttered as if she had completely no relation.

Saito shivered in pain. Louise is going to get married? After the matter with Wardes, those words hurt him really deeply. They were words he didn’t want to hear a second time.

“You don’t like it, right? The fact that Louise is getting married”

Cattleya muttered with an angelic smile.

Saito shook his head.

“Th-That sort of thing ... is fine. I can’t think much of Louise in the first place. Because Louise, about me... about the me that isn’t a noble or anything, she doesn’t think much of me, that’s why...”

Raising her body, Cattleya asked Saito.

“Hey, are you aware of the Condition to be a Noble?”

What’s with that sudden question? That’s completely clear.

“Eh? I’m pretty sure, umm, they have to be able to use magic... they have to be rich...”

“Those are trivial things!”

“But, in this world if you can’t use Magic, you aren’t a noble, right?”

“Wrong”

Cattleya shook her head.

“There is only one condition that needs to be fulfilled to become a noble. To swear that you will protect the princess even at the cost of your own life, that’s all. Our ancestors were given territory and money by the king, because they protected the princess’, his daughter’s, life at the cost of their own. It wasn’t because they could use magic”

Cattleya stared at Saito with sincere eyes.

“That girl is somewhere in the courtyard, so go look for her. In the courtyard there’s a pond... in that pond there’s a small boat floating. She’s inside it. Ever since she was young whenever there were bad times she’d go there and hide. After you take Louise from there, leave the castle grounds. On the main road there is a carriage waiting for you. The maid that you brought along with you is leading it, so go there”

“Eh?”

“I don’t admire war. I hate it. Honestly, I don’t want to let Louise go. But, if that girl has decided that she wants to do that and there’s someone that she finds it necessary to go for... If that’s the case, I think we have to let her go. That’s not something for us to decide”

Cattleya held Saito’s face in her hands.

“May the Founder’s Divine Protection be with you and Louise”

And then, as if she was dealing with a noble, she kissed Saito’s forehead.

“I leave my cute little sister in Your care. Knight-dono”

<center>* * *</center>

Louise was crying inside the boat in the courtyard.

She could hear the sounds of the footsteps and voices of the servants that were looking for her inside the castle. But, just like when she was a child this boat in the courtyard was a safe place. With its figure hidden by the small island’s shadow, it became a blind spot when being looked at from inside the castle and didn’t stand out at all.

Just like in the time when she was still a kid, she had curled herself up and had covered herself with the blanket that she brought with her. When she was a child and did t hat... her feelings would usually slowly calm down, but this time it didn’t go so well. It appears that her mood that had sunken so low, just couldn’t brighten up no matter what.

The small steps of someone stepping on the soil inside the courtyard resounded.

She held her breath and stood still as the sounds transformed to the powerful sounds of feet crossing over the wooden bridge that reached up to the small island.

Thinking, “This is bad”, she buried her body even deeper into the blanket that was covering her.

As soon as she did that... Splash! The sound of the master of the footsteps jumping into the pond could be heard and she tugged on the blanket.

Unintentionally she uncovered a part of her body and then heard her name being called.

“Louise”

“... Saito?”

“Let’s go. Your big sister has prepared a carriage”

“... I won’t go”

“Why?”

“Because my family hasn’t allowed me to”

“It’s impossible. Your family is on the other side after all. You all sure are stubborn”

Saito stretched out his hands. However, Louise immediately shook them off.

“What is it already?”

“I don’t want to anymore. It’s fine”

“Why?”

“Because no matter what I say, no matter how hard I work, I just can’t talk with my family. Who would recognize me? After I thought that I ended up feeling really very lonely”

Are you concerned with stuff like that? Think about earlier. This girl... as soon as I’m not around for a little and she starts thinking normally.

Getting on the boat, Saito grasped Louise’s hand.

“Geez. I will recognize you. I will, your whole existence, completely positively. That’s why, stand up. C’mon”

After hearing that, Louise blushed and felt her heart becoming warm and fuzzy.

But, she thought to herself that she can’t have confidence in Saito’s words alone.

After all, Saito is fine.

After all, her breasts’ size was the same as a kid’s.

That black-haired girl that would listen to anything he says, is better, isn’t she.

She felt lonely, because she couldn’t get either her parents or sisters to understand her. The Siesta from yesterday’s words left a trail as well. “Saito doesn’t like Louise at all” those words had seriously harmed Louise’s self-confidence and will to do anything. Louise hadn’t recognized those words as her own thoughts, but she kept remembering them.

Therefore, Louise grumbled.

“What “I’ll recognize you”? Don’t lie”

“It’s not a lie”

“It’s a lie. Even in this time’s war you want to fight for the Princess’ honor. The same as Guiche”

“W-What does the Princess have...”

Remembering, Louise said with cold voice.

“You kissed her, didn’t you”

“Are you an idiot? That was just the way things turned out...”

“Are you saying you kissed her by mistake? Heee... is that so”

Saito was slowly getting angry. In anger, he caught Louise’s shoulder and forced her to face him.

“W-What is it!”

“You an idiot?!”

“Who’s an idiot?!”

“Don’t just decide who I like, jus because you are in a bad mood, you selfish daughter! You think that just because you’re my master and I’m your familiar, you have the right to tell me who I like?!”

Saito was staring at Louise with burning eyes, shouting at her. “I came with complete honesty. Why is this girl so selfish” he thought to himself cursing his own impulses.

“H-H-How dare you say that?!”

“Yeah, I’ll say it as many times as needed. Honestly, I don’t want to have any connection with you guys’ duties and wars, I’d rather go search for a way to return home! I want to go back to Eastern Japan! I do!”

“Then just go ahead!”

Louise shouted. What is this, she thought. Isn’t it fine not to yell so much? Be gentler. I’m feeling down right now.

Saito was always like that. When Louise wanted to do something, he wouldn’t listen to her at all even though he was her familiar he didn’t understand a thing. He would always turn against her.

That Saito, at whom Louise had yelled, was breathing heavily with his shoulders going up and down. Probably he was choosing word with which to answer her back. Idiot. Idiot, idiot. “After you say something, move away your face”, Louise thought. I wonder what lines he’s going to spew back at me? Exactly how is he going to answer back to me, who told him “Then just go ahead” ? “Yeah, I understand! I’ll go back” probably?

However, Saito’s reply completely blew off Louise’s expectations.

For some reason Saito’s... face reddened,

“I like you!”

The air solidified. For a moment, Louise didn’t realize what she had just been told.

Just now, what did he say? Like? Like as in, that Like? What’s this about?

“... Eh?”

“I said I like you! Whenever I look at you my heart starts beating fast! Isn’t that what people call liking?! That’s why I like you! And that’s why if you want to protect the Princess’ honor I’ll come do it with you and you should just go ahead and go instead of complaining here!”

“Eh? Eeh?”

“Anyway, right now you aren’t cute at all! What’s with this?! Why do you think I’m risking my life and fighting for?! It’s because I like you! If I didn’t I’d just stay at my room and sleep!”

Saito said what he had to say and tried to stand up, but the he noticed.

Louise was restraining him and waiting while blushing.

Suddenly, Saito felt a bit of regret. “Aah, what did I end up saying just now?! Wait a minute, I just confessed! Why?! If I consider the circumstances... now isn’t the time to be confessing... I don’t get this.”

Saito fell prostrated into the boat.

<center>* * *</center>

After some time passed... Louise returned to herself.

She was confused, because she didn’t understand what had happened. Anyway, it seemed like she had been confessed to. She had clearly been told by Saito “I like you”.

“What should I do,” she thought.

At the same moment she thought that, she realized that she’d probably have to tell everyone. And wariness took over her mind. Anger and delight, two opposite feelings, gushed forth. Not completely understanding the situation, Louise’s face started reddening and she lifted Saito’s face up.

“If it’s a lie I’ll kill you”

She said only that with a shaky voice. Just how red was her face right now? To what extent were her cheeks dyed in red? Anyway, it was hot.

“It’s not a lie!”

“I don’t really like you”

“I know that”

“Because, you keep jumping from girl to girl all over the place”

“I won’t. I won’t from now on”

“It’s not a question of whether you will or won’t. Anyway, just after one year of knowing me, you said those words with such confidence. Maybe it’s just false confidence”

“T-Thank you”

Because she had said all that with a voice, coming from the depths of her heart, Saito ended up thinking that Louise is awfully cute. His thoughts went so far, that he ended up wanting to hug her and stroke her cheeks.

But he couldn’t say such stuff. Louise was incredibly prideful after all. And that pride enveloped Louise’s heart, creating a very thick armor out of which her true feelings could hardly ever reach out.

Louise caught Saito’s shoulders and lifted her hip. And then she peered into his face with serious eyes.

At that moment, Kirche’s words resounded in her ears.

“You probably didn’t let him do anything, right? If that’s the case, it would be obvious that he’d be taken by other girls”

She thought “Uu~, won’t it be fine to let him for a bit?” and similar things. But, as she thought that it got hard to get into the mood. Even allowing him for a bit was difficult.

However, the only things she couldn’t stand was watching him think about or touch other girls. Louise helplessly decided to gather a bit of real courage.

“H-Hey, you know. Mmm...”

“Yes?”

“Because when you told your Master that you like her you practically swore loyalty, a r-rr-r-r-reward is necessary, isn’t it”

“A reward?”

“That’s right. The princess has always been telling me. That loyalty should always be rewarded”

“I-I see...”

Saito could no longer tell exactly what Louise was trying to do. But when he heard Louise’s next words his blood rose up to his head.

“O-Only one place, okay?”

“What?”

“Oo-on your Master’s body, only one place, one that you like, ii-it’s fine to touch”

As she said that, not removing her hands from Saito’s shoulders, Louise closed her eyes.

“I’ll die”, Saito thought.

[[Image:ZnT06-103.jpg|thumb]]

“If I’m told things like this, I’ll die. But if, before I die, I, t-this Louise, then... If this way too cute Master, I, then...” As his mind was becoming more and more chaotic, he hugged Louise and suddenly snatched away her lips.

And Louise,

“Ah...” gave out a moaning voice.

A kiss, hm. So that’s what you decided, hmm. Certainly, unmistakably, it’s only one place.

But, a kiss? Is that the most important? Somehow, Louise ended up feeling more and more in love with Saito, who chose to kiss at a time like this.

However, it seemed that, because they were kissing, Saito’s excitement increased to the max. Having forgotten the “Only one place” rule, his hand was reaching under Louise’s skirt.

Louise became confused. "This is bad, it seems he didn’t take me seriously enough"

“I-Idiot..., only one place..., moreover, you, that suddenly..., hey, wait, hey, what are you thinking, hey, idiot, wa-, you, ''an'', that sort of, ''yan'', idiot...”

“Like”

Saito muttered incoherently and bit on Louise’s earlobe. Louise’s strength left her body and she was pushed down in the boat. Muu, such serious love. “Which is more important”, she wondered, as Saito was pushing her down with endless energy.

“T, that, wait, hey..., no good, breasts, not the breasts. No way, not there, nowhere”

Because of the hands that were in her skirt and in the gap of her shirt, Louise was slowly overtaken by desperation.

“Like. Like very much. Really like”

Just like using a treasured sword passed down in a family, Saito kept repeating “Like” rapidly. As was to be expected from the magical words, they stole Louise’s willpower as if electricity was running through her.

“...D-Do you really like me?”

Unintentionally she asked back.

“Ye”

“Really, honestly? ... Ah”

As she said that their lips connected.

Wait a bit. Even if you like me it’s bad to do it so suddenly. I haven’t trained enough, and I also have my pride.

That’s right, I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de la Vallière.

I am Duke’s family’s third daughter.

I am, you know, not as easy as a town’s woman.

There is absolutely no way I’d marry just yet. “Even though I shouldn’t be marrying within three months,  even then, where is this familiar touching his Master, I won’t allow him to get so much o-o-oooooo-over his head”, thinking that Louise raised her fist over her head. Aiming at his nether region, he hit him with her leg.

As soon as she did that, their lips parted and he whispered near her ear.

“I like you. Louise, I like you a lot”

And with an “I love you a lot” it was decided. Louise was bringing down her fist, but she suddenly lost strength and unintentionally hugged Saito’s back.

“Aah, now there’s no way out, what should I do, Mother, I will probably be turned into a star by Louise”, as he muttered that, Saito wondered what kind of face he should make at this moment, at the end. Since Louise never started beating him up, he slowly opened his eyes and a lovely scene was spreading out in front of him.



As if surrounding the pond, the castle’s employees had gathered around.

With a stiffened face Eleonore stood there.

With a pale face as if she was about to faint, a Mother stood there.

And in between all that were present, with an incredibly angry face, stood a Father.

For a moment Louise got a cold sweat and then pushed Saito away.

With a “Splaash”, Saito fell into the pond.

“What are you doing?!” Saito began, when he was noticed by the audience inside the courtyard.

Duke la Vallière ordered with a voice, full of dignity.

“Hm~, seize Louise and confine her in the tower. And also, because she won’t be leaving that place for at least a year, please exchange the chain with something sturdier.

“Certainly!”, Jerom, the butler, replied.

“As for that guy. That commoner. Hm~, decapitation. Because he will be exposed for one month, make a brand new stand please”

“Certainly!”, Jerom, agreeing with the same tone.

The employees simultaneously took out brooms, hoes, sickles, spears or katanas and attacked. Saito grabbed the handle of Derflinger that was on his back. The runes on his left hand glew.

“Myy, partner. It’s been a while. I was just wonder if you were going to die a lonely death”

“Sorry, we’ll talk later!”

“Seems so”

Saito, without much bashfulness jumped into the boat, hugged Louise and then put her on his shoulder.

And after that he started running.

<center>* * *</center>

“W-What the heck is that guy?! He’s fast!”

“Just like an elf!”

Saito was running like the wind through the castle’s corridors.

Whenever one of the employees stood in his way, with an “I’m sorry”, he apologized and, with one hit with his leg, forced him or her onto the ground.

“What are you all doiiiing?!”

Saying that, the enraged Duke, who had witnessed his youngest daughter getting pushed down, pulled out his cane, but Saito was already out of the Spell’s Range of Effect. The imagination of the people, who didn’t know of the Gandálfr’s moving speed, was completely overwhelmed.

However... the gate’s watchers were contacted and were using the golems to lift the drawbridge. The chain, holding the drawbridge, was making noises as it was being withdrawn.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-23T06:53:25Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-23T05:18:32Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Cattleya]] - [20% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière]] - [50% Translated]
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-22T18:56:55Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-22T14:08:24Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL

2008-07-22T12:53:43Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Two: Cattleya */

===Chapter Two: Cattleya===

{{Template:PREVIEW}}
----

Noon, two days after leaving the academy...

Saito and the rest reached the la Vallière territory. However, by the time they reached the la Vallière's mansion it would already be late at night. Upon hearing the words “late at night”... Saito turned pale. He realized that this “territory” was nothing more than a courtyard.

However, after half a day spent traveling, he could not possibly understand how something this big could be a residence’s garden.

By Japanese standards, Louise’s territory could be called a middle-sized city. A city... Saito had never heard of somebody possessing so much land before. These Upper Nobles are truly intimidating.

Louise’s status as a noble was truly displayed once they entered her territory.

They decided to take a break at an inn…

Once their carriages stopped, Siesta, who arrived just a bit earlier, quickly got out of her carriage. Having been trained as a maid, she went to open the coach's door for Louise.

“Uwaa, I can’t believe Siesta just did that... without any protesting”, thought Saito as he walked towards Louise’s carriage. But before he could get there, he was knocked down by a crowd of villagers running from the inn.

The villagers removed their hats in front of Louise, who had just stepped down.

“Miss Eleanor! Miss Louise!” they cried while deeply bowing down.

The villagers thought that even Saito, who was now lying in the dirt, was a noble. They quickly helped him up apologizing for their terrible manners.

“No, I’m not a noble…” Saito nervously tried to explain.

“Even so, you must be Miss Louise’s or Miss Eleonore’s attendant. And we cannot disrespect that.”

Plainly looking farmers said while nodding.

They went on saying things such as “Let me carry your sword for you,” and “It must have been a tiring journey to get here huh?” as they treated Saito with the utmost kindness.

“We will be resting here for a moment. Please inform the family of our arrival,” commanded Eleanor.

A young boy quickly jumped onto a horse and rode off in order to report.

They walked into the inn. Once Eleonore and Louise approached the table, chairs were immediately pulled out for them to sit on. The two sat down as if it were second nature. Saito tried to sit next to them only to be given a demeaning glare by Eleanor.

“Saito-san! Saito-san!”

Hearing Siesta call, Saito turned around.

“Commoners are not permitted to sit on the same tables as nobles.”

That reminded Saito. Recently he had been sitting next to Louise without worrying. Yet this was a strange thing to do in this world after all. Actually, Louise made Saito sit on the floor at first too.

Louise opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by a glare from Eleonore. Louise could do nothing but sit in her chair like a good girl. Saito stared wide-eyed – it was the first time he saw Louise in such a state. She really looked naturally obedient in front of her older sister. However... it must be a really scary elder sister... to make Louise look so weak.

“Oh how Louise has grown!"

"She’s growing more and more beautiful!”

The villagers were chattering around them.

“It seems Miss Eleanor has been engaged, right?” someone muttered.

“SHHH! Don’t talk about that!” came the scolding.

Eleonore’s eyebrows started to twitch and her expression darkened. The atmosphere in the inn took a plunge. Apparently, speaking of Eleonore’s engagement was definitely something to be avoided…

The commoners, feeling the murderous intent coming from Eleanor, didn’t dare speak another word. Saito and Siesta exchanged glances. Then Siesta quietly got close to Saito and grasped his hand. She was afraid.

Not noticing the change in her elder sister, Louise spoke.

“Eleonore. Eleonore nee-sama...”

“What…”

“Congratulations on your engagement!”

The face of every commoner fell, and a deep sigh escaped them.

Louise had completely misread the atmosphere once again. All of a sudden, Eleonore’s eyebrows shot up as she pinched Louise’s cheek.

“It hwwuuuurrtsss!! Waaahhhhh! Nee-shammaaa!! Whhyy?! It hwurts it hwurts it hwurts!!!”

“You don’t know? You speak of it even though you know you shouldn’t!”

“I won’t whoh wah ur alking awout!!”

“The engagement has been canceled!! C-A-N-C-E-L-E-D!”

“W-why?”

“Who knows? Why don’t you ask Earl Burgandi? He said something about reaching his limit. I can’t understand why.”

Saito completely sympathized with that Earl Burgandi. Yes. Anybody who listened to her would soon reach their “limit”. Eleonore was much more fierce and abusive than Louise. The Earl must have thought he didn’t have the stamina.

In the end, unhappy with the marriage cancellation, Eleonore just vented all of her anger on Louise…

And so, the preaching started. She scolded Louise for blowing the roof of the carriage. Louise’s stretched cheek became angry red and swollen by then. Naturally, Saito felt sorry for Louise.

However, this reprimand didn’t last very long because suddenly the door opened and a flow of pink blew in.

A girl, wearing an elegant dress around her slim waist and a wide rimmed hat with a feather on top, had entered. Under the hat was a flow of silky pink blond hair – exactly the same as Louise’s.

Surprisingly, a lovely face popped up from under the hat.

Although from the first look it was obvious that she was older, she looked very cute. Such a beautiful face was beyond description. Her eye color and the way her eyes sparkled was the same as Louise’s as well. Noticing Eleonore, the girl stared with wide eyes.

“Ah! I’m so glad I noticed the strange carriage outside and came over here to take a look. I didn’t think I would meet you! Eleonore nee-sama! You’re back?”

“Cattle...ya...” Eleonore muttered.

Noticing the sudden guest, Louise looked up. Seeing Louise, Cattleya’s face radiated with happiness which was mirrored on Louise’s face as well.

“Big sister!”

“Louise! No way! You are not my chibi Louise anymore! You came back as well!”

Louise stood up and leashed herself into Cattleya's chest.

“It’s been so long Big sister!!”

Unable to control their excitement, the two hugged with a squeal.

Seems like Cattleya was Louise’s sister. She had the same hair color, the same eye color – it was like looking at Louise. However, Cattleya’s face seemed to have a more calm and placid look than Louise’s. This aura of complete calmness and tenderness coming from Cattleya made Saito’s heart race.

She was like a matured Louise, with added gentleness. Besides, her beautiful figure and breasts well matched Saito’s taste.

Cattleya's mouth half opened as she finally noticed Saito.

“Ah, ah, ah , ahah!”

While Saito was wondering what this ‘Ah’ might mean, Cattleya approached him and gazed at his face.

“W-w-what’s wrong?” Saito asked nervously.

Cattleya began to gently stroke Saito’s face. Saito almost fainted from these sensations.

“You... are Louise’s lover, right?”

“Huh?!”

Siesta's, who was standing right next to Saito, eyes suddenly turned cold. She stomped down on his foot. Hard. Saito jumped up.

Louise blushed furiously.

“He’s just my familiar! Not my lover!”

“Ah, is that so?”

Cattleya giggled and tilted her head with a sweet smile.

“I’m sorry, I got it wrong. Don’t worry about it.”

<center>* * *</center>

Everybody got onto Cattleya’s chariot for the remainder of the ride to the La Valliere household. Eleonore showed obvious discontent of having to sit with a commoner and a familiar. But when Cattleya jokingly said - “The more the merrier right?” Eleonore, though still not uttering a single word, reluctantly consented.

However... Saito and the rest weren’t the only passengers in the large carriage.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter2 - MTL

2008-07-22T12:50:41Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Two: Cattleya */

===Chapter Two: Cattleya===

{{Template:PREVIEW}}
----

Noon, two days after leaving the academy…

Saito and the rest reached the la Vallière territory. However, by the time they reached the la Vallière' house it would already be late at night. Upon hearing the words “late at night”... Saito turned pale. He realized that this “territory” was nothing more than a courtyard.

However, after half a day spent traveling, he could not possibly understand how something this big could be a residence’s garden.

By Japanese standards, Louise’s territory could be called a small city. A city... Saito had never heard of somebody possessing so much land before. These Upper Nobles are truly intimidating.

Louise’s status as a noble was truly displayed once they entered her territory.

They decided to take a break at an inn…

Once their carriages stopped, Siesta, who arrived just a bit earlier, quickly got out of her carriage. Having been trained as a maid, she went to open the coach's door for Louise.

“Uwaa, I can’t believe Siesta just did that... without any protesting”, thought Saito as he walked towards Louise’s carriage. But before he could get there, he was knocked down by a crowd of villagers running from the inn.

The villagers removed their hats in front of Louise, who had just stepped down.

“Miss Eleanor! Miss Louise!” they cried while deeply bowing down.

The villagers thought that even Saito, who was now lying in the dirt, was a noble. They quickly helped him up apologizing for their terrible manners.

“No, I’m not a noble…” Saito nervously tried to explain.

“Even so, you must be Miss Louise’s or Miss Eleonore’s attendant. And we cannot disrespect that.”

Plainly looking farmers said while nodding.

They went on saying things such as “Let me carry your sword for you,” and “It must have been a tiring journey to get here huh?” as they treated Saito with the utmost kindness.

“We will be resting here for a moment. Please inform the family of our arrival,” commanded Eleanor.

A young boy quickly jumped onto a horse and rode off in order to report.

They walked into the inn. Once Eleonore and Louise approached the table, chairs were immediately pulled out for them to sit on. The two sat down as if it were second nature. Saito tried to sit next to them only to be given a demeaning glare by Eleanor.

“Saito-san! Saito-san!”

Hearing Siesta call, Saito turned around.

“Commoners are not permitted to sit on the same tables as nobles.”

That reminded Saito. Recently he had been sitting next to Louise without worrying. Yet this was a strange thing to do in this world after all. Actually, Louise made Saito sit on the floor at first too.

Louise opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by a glare from Eleonore. Louise could do nothing but sit in her chair like a good girl. Saito stared wide-eyed – it was the first time he saw Louise in such a state. She really looked naturally obedient in front of her older sister. However... it must be a really scary elder sister... to make Louise look so weak.

“Oh how Louise has grown!"

"She’s growing more and more beautiful!”

The villagers were chattering around them.

“It seems Miss Eleanor has been engaged, right?” someone muttered.

“SHHH! Don’t talk about that!” came the scolding.

Eleonore’s eyebrows started to twitch and her expression darkened. The atmosphere in the inn took a plunge. Apparently, speaking of Eleonore’s engagement was definitely something to be avoided…

The commoners, feeling the murderous intent coming from Eleanor, didn’t dare speak another word. Saito and Siesta exchanged glances. Then Siesta quietly got close to Saito and grasped his hand. She was afraid.

Not noticing the change in her elder sister, Louise spoke.

“Eleonore. Eleonore nee-sama...”

“What…”

“Congratulations on your engagement!”

The face of every commoner fell, and a deep sigh escaped them.

Louise had completely misread the atmosphere once again. All of a sudden, Eleonore’s eyebrows shot up as she pinched Louise’s cheek.

“It hwwuuuurrtsss!! Waaahhhhh! Nee-shammaaa!! Whhyy?! It hwurts it hwurts it hwurts!!!”

“You don’t know? You speak of it even though you know you shouldn’t!”

“I won’t whoh wah ur alking awout!!”

“The engagement has been canceled!! C-A-N-C-E-L-E-D!”

“W-why?”

“Who knows? Why don’t you ask Earl Burgandi? He said something about reaching his limit. I can’t understand why.”

Saito completely sympathized with that Earl Burgandi. Yes. Anybody who listened to her would soon reach their “limit”. Eleonore was much more fierce and abusive than Louise. The Earl must have thought he didn’t have the stamina.

In the end, unhappy with the marriage cancellation, Eleonore just vented all of her anger on Louise…

And so, the preaching started. She scolded Louise for blowing the roof of the carriage. Louise’s stretched cheek became angry red and swollen by then. Naturally, Saito felt sorry for Louise.

However, this reprimand didn’t last very long because suddenly the door opened and a flow of pink blew in.

A girl, wearing an elegant dress around her slim waist and a wide rimmed hat with a feather on top, had entered. Under the hat was a flow of silky pink blond hair – exactly the same as Louise’s.

Surprisingly, a lovely face popped up from under the hat.

Although from the first look it was obvious that she was older, she looked very cute. Such a beautiful face was beyond description. Her eye color and the way her eyes sparkled was the same as Louise’s as well. Noticing Eleonore, the girl stared with wide eyes.

“Ah! I’m so glad I noticed the strange carriage outside and came over here to take a look. I didn’t think I would meet you! Eleonore nee-sama! You’re back?”

“Cattle...ya...” Eleonore muttered.

Noticing the sudden guest, Louise looked up. Seeing Louise, Cattleya’s face radiated with happiness which was mirrored on Louise’s face as well.

“Big sister!”

“Louise! No way! You are not my chibi Louise anymore! You came back as well!”

Louise stood up and leashed herself into Cattleya's chest.

“It’s been so long Big sister!!”

Unable to control their excitement, the two hugged with a squeal.

Seems like Cattleya was Louise’s sister. She had the same hair color, the same eye color – it was like looking at Louise. However, Cattleya’s face seemed to have a more calm and placid look than Louise’s. This aura of complete calmness and tenderness coming from Cattleya made Saito’s heart race.

She was like a matured Louise, with added gentleness. Besides, her beautiful figure and breasts well matched Saito’s taste.

Cattleya's mouth half opened as she finally noticed Saito.

“Ah, ah, ah , ahah!”

While Saito was wondering what this ‘Ah’ might mean, Cattleya approached him and gazed at his face.

“W-w-what’s wrong?” Saito asked nervously.

Cattleya began to gently stroke Saito’s face. Saito almost fainted from these sensations.

“You... are Louise’s lover, right?”

“Huh?!”

Siesta's, who was standing right next to Saito, eyes suddenly turned cold. She stomped down on his foot. Hard. Saito jumped up.

Louise blushed furiously.

“He’s just my familiar! Not my lover!”

“Ah, is that so?”

Cattleya giggled and tilted her head with a sweet smile.

“I’m sorry, I got it wrong. Don’t worry about it.”

<center>* * *</center>

Everybody got onto Cattleya’s chariot for the remainder of the ride to the La Valliere household. Eleonore showed obvious discontent of having to sit with a commoner and a familiar. But when Cattleya jokingly said - “The more the merrier right?” Eleonore, though still not uttering a single word, reluctantly consented.

However... Saito and the rest weren’t the only passengers in the large carriage.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-22T11:34:20Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-21T21:06:33Z

ShApEsHiFt3r:

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2008-07-21T20:51:56Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉 */

To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

== List ==
===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] [[user:TheDefend|(TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 8 - None (dropped by [[user:Magus|Magus]]; [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Epilogue - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%)
::*Chapter 2 - None
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]]
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - None
::*Chapter 2 - None
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None
::*Chapter 9 - None
::*Chapter 10 - None
::*Epilogue - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None
::*Chapter 2 - None
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None
::*Chapter 9 - None
::*Chapter 10 - None
::*Epilogue - None

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]]
::*Story 6 - None
::*Extra Story - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]]
::*Story 7 - None
::*Story 8 - None
::*Epilogue - None

== Series Overview ==
*Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔
*Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン
*Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書
*Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊
*Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日
*Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石
*Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭
*Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲
*Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会
*Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者
*Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏
*Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日
*Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉
*Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女
*Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険
*Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2

[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-21T20:50:57Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière */

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carped spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had a blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had an eye-glass and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked up to the duke with determined steps, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his kimono was properly lined.

The Duke inquired with a baritone “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunny balcony. On the table, taken out in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war…

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-boned guy!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me… “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? Didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-boned guy like that a “Cardinal”. Bone, Bone is more than enough. Indeed, taking use of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at that Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise that had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from this side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But…”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will block that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it dries up because of the lack of sunlight. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. What are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”


Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father…”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise… you….”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“The Princess… no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is…”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but… I…”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regrettable when I was being compared to my sisters and told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“…You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will is it ok to lie to her own Father? For a little while Louise was troubled. And… opening her lips, she told a lie.

“… Fire”

“Fire?”

“For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. … In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father…”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However… As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy Sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must…”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy… But, to me, berrege is fill…(marriage is still)…”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl… I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but… she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl…”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world… if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier…”

“As I said, I haven’t…”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-21T20:49:42Z

ShApEsHiFt3r:

===Chapter Three: Duke de la Vallière===

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carped spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had a blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had an eye-glass and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked up to the duke with determined steps, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his kimono was properly lined.

The Duke inquired with a baritone “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunny balcony. On the table, taken out in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war…

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-boned guy!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me… “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? But didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-boned guy like that a “Cardinal”. Bone, Bone is more than enough. Indeed, taking use of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at that Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise that had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from this side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But…”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will block that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it dries up because of the lack of sunlight. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. What are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”


Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father…”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise… you….”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“The Princess… no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is…”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but… I…”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regrettable when I was being compared to my sisters and told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“…You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will is it ok to lie to her own Father? For a little while Louise was troubled. And… opening her lips, she told a lie.

“… Fire”

“Fire?”

“For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. … In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father…”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However… As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy Sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must…”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy… But, to me, berrege is fill…(marriage is still)…”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl… I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but… she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl…”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world… if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier…”

“As I said, I haven’t…”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-21T20:48:22Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*Chapter 2 - Cattleya
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière (25% Translated)]]
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-21T20:47:13Z

ShApEsHiFt3r:

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carped spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had a blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had an eye-glass and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked up to the duke with determined steps, took off his hat, fixed his hair and made sure that his kimono was properly lined.

The Duke inquired with a baritone “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunny balcony. On the table, taken out in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war…

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-boned guy!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me… “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? But didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-boned guy like that a “Cardinal”. Bone, Bone is more than enough. Indeed, taking use of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at that Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise that had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from this side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But…”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will block that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it dries up because of the lack of sunlight. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. What are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”


Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father…”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise… you….”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“The Princess… no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is…”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but… I…”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regrettable when I was being compared to my sisters and told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“…You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will is it ok to lie to her own Father? For a little while Louise was troubled. And… opening her lips, she told a lie.

“… Fire”

“Fire?”

“For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. … In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father…”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However… As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy Sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must…”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy… But, to me, berrege is fill…(marriage is still)…”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl… I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but… she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl…”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world… if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier…”

“As I said, I haven’t…”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter3

2008-07-21T20:44:51Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: New page: At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners. The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheel...

At the break of dawn in the castle’s garden there was a giant cage with dragons at its four corners.

The servants that had gathered in the surroundings simultaneously took off the wheels of the cage-like carriage. Footmen caught the dragons and at the given opportunity the servants opened the carriage’s door. A red carped spread out all the way to the cage’s entrance in order to accept a middle aged noble.

It was Duke la Vallière. He was more than fifty years old. He had a blonde hair and beard that were turning white and he was dressed in wonderful clothes, suitable for a king. On his left eye he had an eye-glass and his eyes had a strong glitter.

The butlers walked up to the duke with determined steps, took off his hat, fixed his hair and make sure that his kimono was properly lined.

The Duke inquired with a baritone “Has Louise returned?”

Jerom, a butler that has served the la Vallière family for many years bowed respectfully,

“She returned last night”, he answered.

“Call her for breakfast!”

“Certainly!”

The mood in the la Vallière family was as usual, while they were having breakfast on the sunny balcony. On the table, taken out in order to have breakfast in the sunlight, everyone was seated. Duke la Vallière was seated on the seat of honor and next to him was his wife. And the unusually concentrated three sisters were sitting on the table, lined up by age. Louise’s body was a bit unstable, because she had cried so much last night. Even though she is supposed to get her father’s permission to participate in the war…

It appeared that the Duke was in a considerably bad mood.

“Damn that bird-boned guy!”

At the beginning of his speech, the Duke insulted the Cardinal.

“What is the matter?”

Changing her facial expression, the Duke’s Wife asked her husband. After her father’s first words, Louise knew this wasn’t the moment to ask.

“After calling me all the way to Tristania, I was wondering what he was going to say to me… “Organize one army corps” he said! Don’t joke around with me!”

“Did you agree?”

“Like hell I would! I already retired from military service! Why doesn’t he command the soldier that took my place and let me stay with my family! Moreover, I’m against this war!”

“That’s true. But, is that fine? But didn’t the Cardinal’s official notice state that, right now the fatherland has to unite in order to defeat our bitter enemy? A rumor, that the la Vallière family is treacherous, will spread, which will affect our social life as well”

As she was saying that, the Duke’s Wife had an extremely cool face.

“You shouldn’t call a bird-boned guy like that a “Cardinal”. Bone, Bone is more than enough. Indeed, taking use of such a young queen”

Louise coughed and spewed the bread she was eating. Eleonore glared at that Louise.

“Oh, how scary. Sorry for making you hear the truth about the court’s sparrows”

“By all means, feel free to let us hear what you think”

Louise that had been quiet up to that point opened her lips while trembling.

“There is something I’d like to inquire of Father”

The Duke was watching Louise intently.

“Of course it’s fine, but before that, won’t you give your father, who you haven’t seen in a while, a little kiss. Louise”

Louise stood up and approached her father, and after that gave him a kiss on the cheek. After that she stared directly at her father and asked.

“Why is Father opposing my decision to join the war?”

“Because this war is a huge mistake”

“It is a war against Albion that invaded us. What is wrong with ambushing them?”

“Attacking them from this side isn’t something I would call an “ambush”. Look here”

The Duke manipulated the plate and cooking and started explaining to Louise.

“The thing you call an “Ambush” is having a military force, so overwhelming that it can succeed from the first time. The enemy’s army is about fifty thousand. Our army, together with Germania’s, is sixty thousand”

Moving the knives and forks, with the help of the meat’s fragments, the Duke created a simulation of the war.

“Doesn’t our army have ten thousand more men?”

“If the attacking army was three times as big as the defending army, it would be a certain victory. Because their sky forces have been organized and they have good positions, with this number it will become a difficult battle.

“But…”

The Duke peered into Louise’s face.

“Our siege is excellent. We will block that annoying continent from the sky and then just wait until it dries up because of the lack of sunlight. If we do that, eventually they’ll come asking for peace. The conclusion of the war will come just like that, just like blending white and dark. What are you going to do if the ambush fails? The possibility for that isn’t small”


Louise was silent. Every single thing her father had said was a good argument.

“Because of the victory at Tarbes we’ve grown overconfident. Overconfidence produces negligence. To make matters worse, taking the Academy of Magic’s pupils along as officers? I can only say that that is stupid. What can kids do? In war, you know, you can’t say you are strong enough just because you have greater numbers. Ambushing is an act that means you have absolute confidence that you will achieve victory from the first attempt. There is no way I’d let my daughter enter such a war”

“Father…”

After the Duke finished saying that, he stood up.

“Now then, breakfast is finished”

Louise bit her lips and stood still for a while.

“Louise. From here on out you are under house arrest. You won’t be allowed to leave this castle, until the war is over”

“Wait!” Louise shouted out.

“What? I told you that the talk is over”

“Louise… you….”

Eleonore pulled on Louise’s hem. Cattleya was watching Louise worriedly.

“The Princess… no, to Her Majesty, I am a necessity”

“What do you mean when you say that she needs you? Your ability with magic is…”

Louise couldn’t tell her family that she was the bearer of the Void.

“Right now, Right now I can’t say, but… I…”

Louise hesitated, but she brought up a triumphant face.

“I am no longer the me from the past!”

“Louise! What are you saying to Father?!”

Eleonore said with an intense voice.

“Big Sister, you be quiet! Right now, I’m leading a conversation!”

All the family members were surprised by Louise’s attitude. The Louise from the past would never go up against her sister in such a manner.

“I have always been treated like an idiot. I always felt regrettable when I was being compared to my sisters and told that I have no talent in Magic. But, but, now it’s different. I was clearly told by Her Majesty that I am necessary to her”

With those words, the color of the Duke’s eyes changed. He turned towards Louise, went down on his knee and peered into his daughter’s eyes.

“…You, you have finally realized which your dominant Element is?”

Louise nodded confidently.

“Which of the four?”

Louise thought for a while. Of course, she wouldn’t talk about the Void. But will is it ok to lie to her own Father? For a little while Louise was troubled. And… opening her lips, she told a lie.

“… Fire”

“Fire?”

“For a little while Duke la Vallière gazed at Louise’s face and then he slowly nodded.

“You have the same Element as your Grandfather, hmm. I see, Fire, hmm. … In that case, it’s only natural that you would be attracted to war. It’s a sinful Element. Truly, an Element covered in sin.”

“Father…”

The Duke hanged his head feebly.

“If I remember correctly, you said that Her Majesty needs your power, right?”

“Yes”

“Listen, Louise. It’s an important thing. There is no mistake about it. When nobody else was around, Her Majesty told you that your power is necessary to her, right?”

Louise declared clearly.

“Yes. I was told by Her Majesty that my power is necessary to her.”

The elderly Duke shook his head.

“What a honorable thing. A terribly honorable thing. However… As I thought there is no way for me to recognize this”

“Father!”

“People can certainly make mistakes, because of this thing called loyalty. I will report to Her Majesty myself. Jerom!”

“Yes”

The butler jumped out and stood by the Duke’s side.

“Prepare a paper and a pen”

After that he turned towards Louise,

“You choose a son-in-law for me” he declared.

“Huh? Why?”

“I can’t recognize your participation in the war. I resolutely can’t recognize it. You’re probably despaired, because of that traitor Wardes, right? That’s why, choose a son-in-law for me. Also, calm down your heart, ok? You told me that you want to go to war twice. This is an order. No changes are allowed”

“Father!”

Louise shouted. However, the elderly Duke shook his head.

“Jerom, don’t let Louise go out of this castle. Understand?”

“Certainly!”

The butler nodded.

And then the Duke left his breakfast seat.

His wife and the elder sisters that were left behind surrounded Louise.

Her mother and bossy Sister criticized Louise.

“Father isn’t young anymore. Don’t worry him so much”

“Because you worried Father so much, now you have to choose a son-in-law”

Eleonore declared coldly.

“Why must I! According to the order, Eleonore-nee-sama must…”

As she was saying that Eleonore stretched Louise’s cheeks.

“I-I’m sowwy… But, to me, berrege is fill…(marriage is still)…”

“Why? For what reason? You have a lover, right?”

Having been told that by her Mother Louise shook her head.

“Don’t have. Don’t. No such thing.”

The Duke’s Wife and Eleonore seemed to have noticed something, because of Louise’s expression. The two exchanged glances.

“It seems you’re thinking of someone”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Who? From which noble house?”

“Count? Baron?”

“Honored Baron? You couldn’t, it can’t be a mere Chevalier, right?”

Louise’s body solidified.

“Oh no, this girl… I see, Chevalier or Order of Merit, I don’t know, but… she fell in love with a man with low social status”

Eleonore’s face became bitter. The mother pressed down on her forehead.

“Ooh, it’s because I never really took proper care of this girl…”

“I-I didn’t fall in love with a Chevalier”

Louise said in haste. The truth was he really wasn’t a Chevalier, but a simple Commoner. Even more, a Commoner that came from a completely different world… if they knew that, a simple sorry wouldn’t be even nearly enough of an apology. Even though she always repeats to herself that she doesn’t really like him, right now her head was full of thoughts of Saito.

Cattleya was looking worriedly at Louise.

“No matter how old this girl gets she will always worry us, won’t she. Not only does she want to join the war, but to make matters worse she has fallen in love with a Chevalier…”

“As I said, I haven’t…”, and, she hesitated. Her mother and sister shouted from both left and right.

““Be quiet!””

It was the usual threatening attitude. After Louise used up the courage she used to talk back to her father earlier on, now she became completely dispirited.

Suddenly feeling sorrowful, Louise ran off.

“Hey! Wait right there!”

She heard the shouting voices of her mother and bossy sister.

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-21T20:41:45Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*Chapter 2 - Cattleya
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière (25% Translated]]
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-18T19:33:23Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

===Chapter One: Homecoming===

"Traveling sure is exciting!"

Siesta shouted and pushed her big chest against Saito's arm.

“Rather than “exciting” I'd say it's “touching””

With a flustered head, Saito gave a short nod.

Inside a carriage, Saito and Siesta were sitting next to each other on a small seat.

Siesta was wearing a dark green one-piece dress with high boots.

Also, she had a small straw hat, which altogether made for quite the nice appearance.

When black haired, sweet and innocent Siesta had that appearance, overall she seemed almost too cute.

More than just being cute, it was hard to hold anything back.

''Damn you, putting me in this condition.''

And the worst part is that, while making such an oddly audacious move, that cute Siesta was still radiating a sweet innocent atmosphere.

[[Image:ZnT06-013.jpg|thumb]]

As she sat next to Saito, she hugged one of his arms to her and squeezed her breasts against it.

“S-S-S-Siesta, when you get so close to me.. . your breasts are touching my arm, touching me and…and such…like…” Saito said half crying, becoming incomprehensible...

“Ah, I meant to do it!”

Siesta said with a totally carefree, smiling face.

“L…Like that, on purpose, That is… At a place there is a person, like that, hey, you…”

Saito who couldn’t stop talking, in order to sooth his own conscience, just protested like this.

“You don’t have to worry about the coachman. He’s a golem.”

The young man sitting on the coachman stand was a puppet(Golem) which moved somehow or other with the use of magical power.

Now that you mention it, its eyes are like glass beads emitting light.

Consequently, this made Siesta even bolder. She placed her cheek on Saito’s shoulder and her mouth near his ear, mixing sighs with her voice.

“…doing it like this, just the two of us…it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Y…Yeah”

“I think I heard it sometime, but during summer break, what did you do with Miss Valliere?”

''I can’t tell her that.''

''I can’t say that Henrietta requested a shinobi mission from us.''

''Though it was mostly washing dishes and stuff, it's a secret.''

“Uh, umm, that is…, I worked at a bar. Louise worked in the castle so….what she did, I don’t know,” Saito lied about Louise. Saying the truth about himself is probably alright, he decided.

“Oh! A bar! Saito did! Why again?”

“Eh, uh, that is…I don’t have any money”

“If it’s something like that, a money thing, just tell me and I would be happy to help!"

“You would?”

“Yes, it isn’t much but, I scraped some wages and saved.

As expected of a reliable village girl. Instead of squandering money, she is quite frugal.

Siesta’s kind proposal made Saito glad.

“It’s alright. Somehow, I managed!”

“Really? But, if at times you are in need, please tell me without holding back."

''There is no way I can borrow even a little bit of money from this admirable girl who has scrimped and saved like this.''


“I can't borrow money from Siesta-san!”

“Aye! Why? As long as it's for Saito-san, money isn't important to me!” When she finished speaking, the girl lowered her shoulders.

“Ah, right, you mean you are really not interested in using my money right?”

“That's not the reason why!”

“You must hate me!”

”No, it's nothing like that!”

“Really? But Saito-san is always so cold to me”

“I am? How so?”

“I am sitting next to you, and you aren't making a move.”

While Saito moved around hastily, Siesta hmmed a little and moved her lips to his neck. This kind of feelings that can make a person melt surprised Saito to no end.

Siesta moved her lips upwards, finally nibbling Saito’s ear.

While feeling as if his brain is about to melt, the air seemed to grow cold and as a shivering sensation went down his spine, he shakily squeaked "Si-Si-Sieasta-san.."

In the instant he said that, something blew the top of the carriage away.

Well, blown is not the right word, it appeared more like some hidden explosive sent the whole thing flying. In that moment Saito and Siesta’s carriage suddenly changed from an enclosed carriage to an Sky-light carriage.

Trembling from fear Saito turned around slowly.

Only to see a carriage nearly twice the size and far more luxurious, pulled by two horses.

Sensing a killing intend emulating from the carriage, Saito became not simply afraid, but extremely afraid. It look like I'm going to die, when we arrive at the destination.

The luxurious carriage released an overwhelming Aura of death.

“Wa…Wa…the roof of the carriage!” Siesta wailed while latching on to Saito.

“Si-Siesta-san!”

“What, What is happening?”

“If you don’t want to die, I think we should sit apart.”

But that only made Siesta cling on to Saito even tighter.

“I don’t know what's going on, but my heart is pure!”

She screamed and pushed Saito down. On one side, Saito is very happy and excited about her feelings, while another kind of messages flashed through his mind, “Haha, this is the end of my life, It really was too short, I hope I'll at least get to return to Japanese soil..”

<center>* * *</center>

Now then, from the carriage that was running behind Saito’s, from the window of that splendid carriage…

Louise was sticking out her head, holding a light brown cane in her hand, shaking in anger and breathing heavily.

The roof of Saito and Siesta’s carriage was blown up by Louise with her Void magic “Explosion.”

Because of the window on the back of the carriage, Louise could see everything going on inside.

Louise was shaking while watching them as they hugged each other inside their coach and Siesta kissed Saito’s neck.

Finally, as the maid’s lips came up to her familiar’s ear, Louise’s anger exploded. She wouldn’t let her own familiar get kissed.

However, as the roof was being blown off, she noticed that Siesta embraced Saito even tighter.

Louise’s eyebrow went up instantly and just as she was about to spell the happy couple’s doom, someone pulled her legs.

“Kya!”

As she yelled that, her cheeks were stretched

“Id hurds! Yan! Au! Funya! Ahh! Id hurds!”

The prideful and haughty Louise getting her face pulled in such a manner and unable to raise a single complaint. If Saito was able to see this scene, his eyes would most likely pop out in shock.

The one pulling Louise’s cheeks like that was… …, a beautiful blond woman. She was about twenty-five years old. Vaguely, her face resembled Louise’s. If she cooled down her hot blood and grew up a bit, would she look like that as well? To cut it short, there was a beautiful woman.

“Little Louise. My talk hasn’t finished yet, has it?”

“Auu..., I’b sowwy..., Abe-saba, I’b sowwy...”

As her cheeks were being stretched, Louise shouted with a teary voice. There was a total of four absolute existences in Louise’s life. Henrietta, her parents and this bossy old sister, Eleanor. Eleven years older than Louise, the eldest daughter of the la Vallière house is known to be the most excellent researcher in the Royal Magic Research Institute "Academia".

“Even though it is a long-awaited conversation with me, why do you restlessly keep looking somewhere else? Moreover, you blew up the attendants’ carriages’ roof!”

“That’s, um… I wanted to, um, separate my familiar from the maid, that’s why… …”

Like that, Louise very hesitantly informed her older sister.

As Eleanor curled up her hair, she sharply stared at Louise. Like a frog targeted by a snake Louise curled herself up.

“Let the attendants do whatever they want! As always, you’re a restless kid, aren’t you?! You are a daughter of the la Vallière house, you know?! Be more self-concious!”

“O-Okay…”
Louise quietly drooped her shoulders.

“B-But… … Whatever you say, being taken by the academy’s maid is…”

“Shrimp. Listening? The la Vallière house is not simply Tristain’s noble family, it is our noble family. Even you should understand that, right?”

“Yes, Onee-sama”

“You can’t use only your familiar as an attendant, right? Louise, a lady, you know, is a person that must always have one, at worst, female attendant to take care of her when traveling.”

Eleanor, serving at Tristain’s Academia, came this morning to the Academy of Magic in order to take Louise home with her.
She caught Siesta that was passing by with the laundry basket in her hands, said “This girl will be good enough as a female attendant during the journey” and after getting a nearby aristocrat teacher’s consent, she was taken for the sake of looking after Louise.

Siesta and Saito boarded the carriage for attendants, after it was forcibly prepared by the academy’s employees. Louise and Eleanor boarded their own coach that was used to come to the academy.

There were practically no stops so there really wasn’t any need of help along the way. Siesta was simply a decoration. However, to nobles that ornament was very important.

<center>* * *</center>

As for that Louise’s innermost thoughts, they weren’t calm at all.

That’s because this homecoming wasn’t a part of the plan at all.

The military operation to invade Albion was proclaimed at the school after the summer break ended, approximately at the time the two moons overlapped…

It’s been many decades since the last time the king’s troops had insufficient officers in order to organize an expeditionary force. It was decided that in order to do that aristocrat students were to be assigned as officers. One of the teachers and the academy’s chief Osman were against that, but Henrietta, the Cardinal and the queen’s army’s generals ignored that objection. The academy was closed down until the end of the war.

The bearer of the “Void”, the court lady under Henrietta’s direct supervision, Louise, in order for the invasion strategies to succeed, was to be given special missions.

However… after Louise reported to her parents that “For the fatherland’s sake, I will join the queen’s army in order to take part in Albion’s invasion” it ended up becoming a huge ruckus.

Joining the campaign wasn’t allowed and, even though a letter arrived, ignoring it, Eleanor came.

Naturally, Louise was very angry. What will happen of going to the front? Even now all across the country, at our parade grounds and garrisons, a lot of students are training to become temporary officers. Most of them are male students that have chosen to enter the war.

I am a girl, but I have to protect Her Majesty’s honor as her court lady. Moreover, in this invasion plan, the airplane of my familiar is supposed to play a key role.

There are a lot of expectations placed upon my Void as well. Henrietta and the Cardinal consider me the queen’s army’s trump card.
As a Tristainian noble, there is no greater honor than that.

Well, I definitely don’t like war. But, for the princess’ and the fatherland’s sake I’d like to offer my poor ability. Since the Void was given to me I have a duty to be zealous in my loyalty to the fatherland. Isn’t the loyalty to the fatherland one of the things the noble family of the la Vallière house is boastful? And yet my own house opposed my firm resolution to join the front.

“Really, you’re doing such selfish things! War? What would you do there?! Good things? Get ready to get scolded by Mother and Father when we get home!”

“B-But… …”

Just as she was about to answer back, her cheeks got pinched. Eleanor was completely treating Louise as a kid, just like in the old days. Just like when she answered back during studies, she called her a shrimp over and over again.

“But? “Yes “, you mean, shrimp?! Little Louise!

As expected of sisters. Eleanor had the same expression as Louise at the times at which she trained her familiar. Louise couldn’t do anything to oppose her.

“Fue, Au, Ouch, Ane-sama, my cheeks au au… …”

She said with a pathetic voice.

<center>* * *</center>

As the incantation never flew over no matter how long he waited, Saito let out a sigh of relief. It seems like for some reason Louise wasn’t able to complete her incantation.

It seems that while she was sticking to him, Siesta became happy, so perhaps she had forgotten that there is no roof.

“Hey, hey, Saito-san”

“Hm? W-What?”

“Traveling sure is enjoyable!”

“Y-Yeah… …”

He nodded. Saito hadn’t become that optimistic.

When he thought about the things that are to come, he realized that the problems were piling up.

Henrietta and the others were making war plans. What was going to happen from now on was an assault war. Of course, Louise is going to participate. As things are now I have no choice, but to follow and participate no matter what as well. Most likely for the bearer of Zero there is some kind of war campaign. Probably, we’ll have to do something dangerous.

I can’t get into a cheerful mood.

Damn it, as soon as this war is over this time I’ll search for a way to return to my original world, to Japan, that’s what Saito decided. Until then no matter what happens I can’t allow myself to die.

Seeing Saito with the face of a person thinking about a lot of things, Siesta’s face clouded up.

“I don’t want that”

”Hm?”

“Saito-san, will go to Albion as well, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

It seems like Siesta’s cheerful attitude until now was just a performance to cheer up Saito.

“I, hate the nobles”

“Siesta…”

“It would be fine if they simply killed each other… but they involve us commoners as well…”

“Even if it’s for the sake of ending the war… they’re just saying that”

Remembering Henrietta’s words, Saito muttered

“Doesn’t matter if it’s for the sake of ending one or beginning one, war is war.”

Saito became silent.

Before, during the battle at Tarbes, there was a reason to fight. “Help out Siesta and the village’s people”, that kind of just cause.

But, during the invasion of Albion this time, what kind of reason is there?

I don’t want to fight, is there even a reason behind this fight?

Louise is in high spirits… but I have no interest in this.

But at the time I touched Henrietta I felt an “I want to help such a poor princess’ hand.” kind of feeling, Saito cheered up a bit.

“Why does Saito-san have to go? You have no relation, right?”

“Well, it may be so, but…” his elbow was caught

Siesta buried his face into her breasts.

“Don’t die… Don’t die no matter what…”

Saito felt that such a Siesta is lovely.

To be cried for in such a way by such a cute maid… that alone was a reason enough for Saito to keep living on… As I thought, I’m and idiot, right.

But, Louise’s house huh…

Louise’s big sister that I met earlier was a beautiful woman, but she had a hard expression, didn’t she... , he thought. Splendidly, Saito saw with only a glimpse. At the time they met he noticed that even though her eyes were different from Louise’s she had the same high attitude. Will Louise give off the same feeling when she grows a bit older? That would be painful.

Also, there was a kind of suspicious feeling in the air. It seemed that Louise and everyone in that house had a bit of a difference in opinions.

This time, we’re going towards the home of that Louise.

Saito looked up at the sky, sighed, and thought with an attitude lacking spirit... what’s going to happen from now on?

<center>* * *</center>

In the southern part of Londinium, the capital city of Albion, stood the Howland palace.

The White Hall inside it was indeed an appropriate vital point of the “White Country” Albion.

That place, painted entirely in white, was incredibly impressive. There were sixteen columns supporting the ceiling of the hall.

Like a wound in the wall, a face illuminated by the light was revealed.

In the middle of that hall was placed a huge “Round Table” made of rock, around which the ministers and generals of the Holy Albion Republic were gathering, waiting for the start of the council’s meeting.

This was the place at which, until roughly twenty years ago, the ministers gathered around the king in order to control the country, but now the ruler has changed.

The people that participated in the revolution and took the country from the monarchy gave themselves top posts in the country as was to be expected.

As for the person that, until twenty years ago, was a simple local bishop…

The one that used to have a lower social status than everyone that had gathered here… even than the protection squad members that were standing on the sides of the door…

The two protection squad members opened the hall’s door.

“The Holy Albion Republic’s noble government congress chairman, gasp, Oliver…”

Cromwell, raising his hand, interrupted the voice…

“G-Gasp?”

“Shouldn’t we remove this useless tradition? Because amongst the people that have gathered here, none stands above another!”

As always, Cromwell’s private secretary, Sheffield, was walking behind him and next to her the figures of the healed up viscount Wardes and Fouquet the Dirt Crumb could be seen.

As Cromwell was heading towards the chief’s seat, Sheffield was following him like a shadow. Wardes and Fouquet sat down in two free seats.

After the chairman and first emperor was seated the meeting began. One man raised his hand. It was General Hawkins. With grey hair, white moustache and a long military service, the general stared with intense eyes at the emperor that used to be a bishop.

After Cromwell allowed him, he stood up.

“Your excellency, I would like to ask You something”

“Ask whatever you want”

“After losing the battle at Tarbes and our army that remained there, reorganizing our naval fleet has become essential. That’s because if we don’t have an armada we can neither transport our armies nor defend our own territory”

[[Image:ZnT06-027.jpg|thumb]]

Cromwell nodded in agreement.

“The secret operation to abduct the queen in order to earn some time failed as well”

“That’s right”

“Have those results reached His excellency’s ears?”

“Of course. After all, it’s necessary to know everything about the incidents”

“The enemy army is... ah. Tristain and Germania’s allied forces are preparing their fleets as quickly as possible. The two countries have a total of sixty battle-ready ships that can set out into the sky. If we begin the reorganization of our army now, after the maintenance our warship battle-line will not be able to rival theirs. Moreover, their side’s warships are all brand new.”

One of the generals muttered with a voice full of disdain

“It’s a fleet of Haribotes! They are inferior to us!”

“That’s a story of the past, Your excellency. There is no reason to praise our own army now. At the time of the revolution we executed the majority of our superior generals and as a result the strength of our side was weakened. The remaining veterans were lost because of the defeat at Tarbes”

Cromwell was staying silent.

“At the present they still haven’t finished rallying their ships. Furthermore, they seem to be calling together the lords’ armies.”

“They’re like a hedgehog. If it’s like that it will be difficult to attack us”

A fat general blurted that out with a cheerful voice. Hawkins glared at him.

“Difficult to attack? Isn’t it obvious that that the enemy’s army is probably scheming something if they’ve gathered so few forces”

Hawkins hit the table strongly.

“They’re planning to attack this continent, Albion, you know. And, a question. I’d like to be informed of His excellency’s defense plan. If it comes to a decisive battle with fleets, we will be defenseless. If the enemy’s army manages to land… it’s over. Our army is exhausted because of the revolutionary war, so please give me an answer…”

“Those are the thoughts of a defeatist!”

A young general with bloodshot eyes criticized Hawkins. Cromwell grinned lightly as he raised one of his hands as a signal to stop.

“In order for them to attack Albion, there is a necessity to mobilize their whole military force”

“However, they have no reason to leave soldiers in the country”

“Why is that?”

“Because to them, with the exception of our country, there is no other enemy”

“Do they have an intention to leave their back unprotected?

“Gallia declared neutrality. That’s something that was foreseen and is necessary in order for the invasion to take place”

Cromwell looked over his shoulder and exchanged glances with Sheffield. She gave a small nod.

<center>* * *</center>

<center>* * *</center>

Cromwell went with Sheffield, Wardes and Fouquet to his office and after he sat down in the ruler’s seat he looked at his subordinates.

“Your wounds have healed up, right? Viscount”

Wardes bowed. Cromwell smiled lightly and questioned Wardes.

“Now then, say what you have to say”

“As that general pointed out, Tristain and Germania are certainly going to attack us, right?”

“Yeah. So, what are the odds?”

“Evenly matched… no, perhaps our power is a bit greater. The number of our soldiers is lower, but we have an advantage considering position”

“Also, we have Your excellency’s void”

Fouquet said in a thoughtful manner. As she said that Cromwell coughed unpleasantly.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. All of you should understand, after I’ve told you so many times, that I can’t use any powerful incantations. Except for giving life to those that have already died, that is. If you keep saying that, I’ll be troubled.

As Cromwell was saying, he couldn’t use any useful incantations at all.

“I didn’t have an intention to trouble You. Only, if we don’t show that we have a trump card, the army’s morale will be lowered.”

As Wardes said that, Cromwell nodded.

“Indeed, there is no greater trump card than the Void”

“Well then, as I thought, is Gallia going to join the war?”

At the beginning, the plan was for Gallia to aid Albion’s invasion of Tristain by attacking Germania at the same time, but… because Albion’s army was defeated at Tarbes there was a need to change the original plan. The proposition that came from Gallia’s side was to deflect the enemy’s army into the Albion continent, while Gallia took that opportunity to attack Tristain and Germania.

After Wardes heard that plan he said to Cromwell.

“You excellency, I have only one more thing I’d like to know”

“What is it?”

“Gallia’s imperial rule is going to aid us in destroying Halgenia’s monarchic system, is that right? What are we going to do if they’re doing it with an ill intent?

Cromwell looked at Wardes with cold eyes.

“Viscount, that isn’t something that you should be thinking about. Leave politics to me, it will be good enough to work hard on the duty that has been assigned to you.”

Wardes closed his eyes and lowered his head.

“As you wish”

“The duty that has been given to you. You’re doing it, right?”

“With everything I have”

“Mennavil”

As soon as Cromwell called out, the door of the office opened and a single man appeared. He was about forty years old, with gray hair and a wrinkled face, but because of his disciplined body, one couldn’t notice his age. At first glance he appeared to be a swordsman, because of his rough outlook, but he was carrying a cane, so he was a mage.

There was a characteristic of his face that really stood out. Starting from the middle of his forehead, across his left eye and ending at his cheek, there was a big burn.

Cromwell introduced Wardes to him.

“This is Viscount Wardes”

With an iron expression Mennavil suddenly stared at Wardes.

“Wardes you should have at least heard his name, right? He is White Mennavil”

Wardes’ eyes glittered. He had a memory of hearing that name. The legendary mage mercenary. The White Flame. The one that used cowardly methods during a duel and as a result got his noble title confiscated and became a mercenary, killed his own family by burning them to death and abandoned his house. It is said that the number of the people he has burned so far is greater than the number of the birds he has grilled in order to eat. There are also many other rumors about him that have been floating about.

There was one certain thing in those rumors.

That on the battlefield he used his flame with thorough cruelty. That flame didn’t choose its opponent. He was a man to whom the age and gender of the ones he burned didn’t matter. He was a man that deprived humans of their warmth as if they’re free fires… that’s who this White Mennavil was.

“What’s wrong, Viscount? There’s a legend right before your eyes”

“I was just thinking, that I’m glad this place isn’t a battlefield”

Wardes expressed his honest thoughts.

“Now then, Wardes. With you in the lead, I want you to transport a small squad”

A faint dissatisfaction could be noticed on Wardes’ face. “He wants Me to be a carrier?” is what his eyes said.

“I’d rather you don’t make such a grim face. Moreover, I’d like you to serve with perfection. Rather than small unit, this secret squad is going to need a Wind specialist in order to use a boat as transport. In short, you”

“… As you wish”

“Gallia’s army will capture everything, without us having to do anything, so I expect you to at least push “there”. After you have completed your work report to me immediately”

Cromwell muttered with an impatient voice.

“Where is “there” supposed to be?”

“Firstly, it has to be a place where the defense is weak and the room’s price is low. In other words, it mustn’t be too close to the capital of Tristain. Next, it has to be an important place that has a role in the politics. Therefore, it mustn’t be too far neither.”

“Role in politics?”

“For example, taking young nobles as hostages will definitely have its effects on the country’s politics, right?”

Wardes’ lips curled up a bit.

With an exaggerated motion, Cromwell informed them of the destination.

“It’s the Academy of Magic, Viscount. As the commanding officer, you will take advantage of the night and head there with Mennavil and a small squad”

<center>* * *</center>

At the same time, at the Academy of Magic──────────

Kirche and Tabitha were taking a walk in the Austori plaza. Right now it was break time. As always, the place was bursting with students, however…

All of them were female students. The figures of the male students, making noise, were nowhere to be seen.

“Well, well, it really feels like war, doesn’t it”

Kirche spread her hands and shoke her head. Most of the male students volunteered to join the queen’s army, because they were troubled by the lack of officers. She was surprised, because even that coward Guiche volunteered. (I don’t know where to put one of the words in this sentence => のマリコルヌ)

All of them were in the middle of training, at the country’s festival grounds, to become substitute officers. It’s natural that the academy has quieted down.

Of course, Tabitha was also one of the people that stayed behind. There’s no point for Tabitha, who has sworn to take revenge on Gallia’s king, for some unknown reason, to thrust her head into a war at a different place.

Kirche volunteered to join her fatherland’s army as well, but she wasn’t allowed, because she was a woman. She was regretful, because she really wanted to act violently.

Well, because the male teachers departed as well, the lessons were cut in half.

The female students that now had a lot of free time, overcome with loneliness, were searching for rumors in order to find out whether their lovers or friends were safe. Having noticed Montmorency’s figure, sitting on a bench with her elbows on her knees, Kirche approached her.

“My my, since your lover’s gone, you’re bored, huh?”

Montmorency looked straight at her, and muttered with an annoyed tone.

“It’s normal for him to be gone. I don’t feel so bad about it”

“But, aren’t you lonely?”

“That guy, you know, he’s overdoing it even though he’s a coward. Si~gh, but when he’s gone it really is a bit lonely, isn’t it”

Kirche patted Montmorency’s shoulder.

“Well, they’ll come back before the festival of Founder Brimir’s Descent. After all it’s said that it will be an easy victory if it’s your country’s dear Queen’s and our country’s great Emperor’s armies combined.

Kirche muttered the “dear” and “great” with sarcasm in her voice. From the beginning, Germanian nobles didn’t have much of a loyal heart. After all, it was a country that was created by lords who gathered together, because they had similar interests.

“That would be nice”

Montmorency sighed.

While looking at such a Montmorency, Kirche ended up feeling a similar painful feeling. “I don’t like it… I really don’t like war”, muttered the one that was always prepared to fight.

<center>* * *</center>

Kirche and Tabitha were walking lazily when they arrived at Colbert’s laboratory, that was located next to the Tower of Flame. In there Colbert was working very hard in order to finish the final war adjustments of the Zero Fighter.

Even though most of the male teachers had departed… Colbert was in his usual “my pace” mood. As soon as the wind of war started blowing, he immersed himself into his studies.

“It’s pretty busy, isn’t it?”

Kirche asked that Colbert with an unsure voice.

“Hm?” Colbert raised his head a bit and smiled.

“Oh, Miss. Miss Zerbst. You should take my lectures on Fire Manipulation from time to time”

Colbert said as if he’s in class.(someone retranslate please)

“Yes”

Kirche answered with an uncomfortable and a bit sad face and nodded.

“What’s wrong? Miss…”

“Mister, You didn’t volunteer to join the queen’s army, did you?

Even though most of the academy’s men joined the war, is what she meant by that.

“Hm? Yeah… Because I hate war”

Colbert turned his face away from Kirche. Kirche snorted with a face full of disdain. “So unmanly”, she thought. She could see nothing but a person that had ran away from the war. She couldn’t forgive this teacher that, even though he was one of the proud “Flame Users”, calmly declared that he hates war.

“As a person that also uses Fire, I’m embarassed”

Colbert was facing down for a while, but then he looked up again.

“Miss… you know? The Fire’s purpose…

“Isn’t only fighting, is what you want to say, right? I’m tired of hearing that”

“That’s right. That’s simply the way it’s being used. But except for destruction…”

“I don’t want to listen to a coward’s blabbering”

Kirche turned away her face and, urging Tabitha to move along, walked away. As he watched that scene, Colbert let out a lonely sigh.

<center>* * *</center>

Returning to the laboratory, he sat down in a chair.

Colbert went into deep thought for a while… he unlocked the drawer of the desk that was covered by a lot of things, using the key that was hanging by a string from his neck.

In that drawer there was a small box. He took it out and opened the lid.

There was a small red ruby ring shining like a fire inside it.

If one concentrated, he would be able to see a flickering flame inside the precious stone.

As he looked at that flame, the memories of the incident from twenty years ago were resurrected. The memories of that scene were imprinted into his mind and even now the colors were vivid. In that clear glittering flame… Colbert was blaming himself. In just a moment, he remember everything he had forgotten….

After that Colbert looked around the inside of the laboratory. It was a small house with a shabby exterior, but he liked it much more than the mansion and property he had inherited from his ancestors and of which he himself had disposed. The walls were covered by various tools and flasks he had obtained in time.

As he gazed at them, Colbert suddenly crumbled as if in pain.

“The Fire’s purpose… isn’t only destruction…”

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

----

<noinclude>
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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Back to Color Illustrations]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Forward to Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-17T19:54:01Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Translators */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*Chapter 2 - Cattleya
::*Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [Proofreading]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
::*[[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-17T14:37:02Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]]
::*Chapter 2 - Cattleya
::*Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [Proofreading]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-17T14:34:27Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

===Chapter One: Homecoming===

"Traveling sure is exciting!"

Siesta shouted and pushed her big chest against Saito's arm.

“Rather than “exciting” I'd say it's “touching””

With a flustered head, Saito gave a short nod.

Inside a carriage, Saito and Siesta were sitting next to each other on a small seat.

Siesta was wearing a dark green one-piece dress with high boots.

Also, she had a small straw hat, which altogether made for quite the nice appearance.

When black haired, sweet and innocent Siesta had that appearance, overall she seemed almost too cute.

More than just being cute, it was hard to hold anything back.

''Damn you, putting me in this condition.''

And the worst part is that, while making such an oddly audacious move, that cute Siesta was still radiating a sweet innocent atmosphere.

[[Image:ZnT06-013.jpg|thumb]]

As she sat next to Saito, she hugged one of his arms to her and squeezed her breasts against it.

“S-S-S-Siesta, when you get so close to me.. . your breasts are touching my arm, touching me and…and such…like…” Saito said half crying, becoming incomprehensible...

“Ah, I meant to do it!”

Siesta said with a totally carefree, smiling face.

“L…Like that, on purpose, That is… At a place there is a person, like that, hey, you…”

Saito who couldn’t stop talking, in order to sooth his own conscience, just protested like this.

“You don’t have to worry about the coachman. He’s a golem.”

The young man sitting on the coachman stand was a puppet(Golem) which moved somehow or other with the use of magical power.

Now that you mention it, its eyes are like glass beads emitting light.

Consequently, this made Siesta even bolder. She placed her cheek on Saito’s shoulder and her mouth near his ear, mixing sighs with her voice.

“…doing it like this, just the two of us…it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Y…Yeah”

“I think I heard it sometime, but during summer break, what did you do with Miss Valliere?”

''I can’t tell her that.''

''I can’t say that Henrietta requested a shinobi mission from us.''

''Though it was mostly washing dishes and stuff, it's a secret.''

“Uh, umm, that is…, I worked at a bar. Louise worked in the castle so….what she did, I don’t know,” Saito lied about Louise. Saying the truth about himself is probably alright, he decided.

“Oh! A bar! Saito did! Why again?”

“Eh, uh, that is…I don’t have any money”

“If it’s something like that, a money thing, just tell me and I would be happy to help!"

“You would?”

“Yes, it isn’t much but, I scraped some wages and saved.

As expected of a reliable village girl. Instead of squandering money, she is quite frugal.

Siesta’s kind proposal made Saito glad.

“It’s alright. Somehow, I managed!”

“Really? But, if at times you are in need, please tell me without holding back."

''There is no way I can borrow even a little bit of money from this admirable girl who has scrimped and saved like this.''


“I can't borrow money from Siesta-san!”

“Aye! Why? As long as it's for Saito-san, money isn't important to me!” When she finished speaking, the girl lowered her shoulders.

“Ah, right, you mean you are really not interested in using my money right?”

“That's not the reason why!”

“You must hate me!”

”No, it's nothing like that!”

“Really? But Saito-san is always so cold to me”

“I am? How so?”

“I am sitting next to you, and you aren't making a move.”

While Saito moved around hastily, Siesta hmmed a little and moved her lips to his neck. This kind of feelings that can make a person melt surprised Saito to no end.

Siesta moved her lips upwards, finally nibbling Saito’s ear.

While feeling as if his brain is about to melt, the air seemed to grow cold and as a shivering sensation went down his spine, he shakily squeaked "Si-Si-Sieasta-san.."

In the instant he said that, something blew the top of the carriage away.

Well, blown is not the right word, it appeared more like some hidden explosive sent the whole thing flying. In that moment Saito and Siesta’s carriage suddenly changed from an enclosed carriage to an Sky-light carriage.

Trembling from fear Saito turned around slowly.

Only to see a carriage nearly twice the size and far more luxurious, pulled by two horses.

Sensing a killing intend emulating from the carriage, Saito became not simply afraid, but extremely afraid. It look like I'm going to die, when we arrive at the destination.

The luxurious carriage released an overwhelming Aura of death.

“Wa…Wa…the roof of the carriage!” Siesta wailed while latching on to Saito.

“Si-Siesta-san!”

“What, What is happening?”

“If you don’t want to die, I think we should sit apart.”

But that only made Siesta cling on to Saito even tighter.

“I don’t know what's going on, but my heart is pure!”

She screamed and pushed Saito down. On one side, Saito is very happy and excited about her feelings, while another kind of messages flashed through his mind, “Haha, this is the end of my life, It really was too short, I hope I'll at least get to return to Japanese soil..”

<center>* * *</center>

Now then, from the carriage that was running behind Saito’s, from the window of that splendid carriage…

Louise was sticking out her head, holding a light brown cane in her hand, shaking in anger and breathing heavily.

The roof of Saito and Siesta’s carriage was blown up by Louise with her Void magic “Explosion.”

Because of the window on the back of the carriage, Louise could see everything going on inside.

Louise was shaking while watching them as they hugged each other inside their coach and Siesta kissed Saito’s neck.

Finally, as the maid’s lips came up to her familiar’s ear, Louise’s anger exploded. She wouldn’t let her own familiar get kissed.

However, as the roof was being blown off, she noticed that Siesta embraced Saito even tighter.

Louise’s eyebrow went up instantly and just as she was about to spell the happy couple’s doom, someone pulled her legs.

“Kya!”

As she yelled that, her cheeks were stretched

“Id hurds! Yan! Au! Funya! Ahh! Id hurds!”

The prideful and haughty Louise getting her face pulled in such a manner and unable to raise a single complaint. If Saito was able to see this scene, his eyes would most likely pop out in shock.

The one pulling Louise’s cheeks like that was… …, a beautiful blond woman. She was about twenty-five years old. Vaguely, her face resembled Louise’s. If she cooled down her hot blood and grew up a bit, would she look like that as well? To cut it short, there was a beautiful woman.

“Little Louise. My talk hasn’t finished yet, has it?”

“Auu..., I’b sowwy..., Abe-saba, I’b sowwy...”

As her cheeks were being stretched, Louise shouted with a teary voice. There was a total of four absolute existences in Louise’s life. Henrietta, her parents and this bossy old sister, Eleanor. Eleven years older than Louise, the eldest daughter of the la Vallière house is known to be the most excellent researcher in the Royal Magic Research Institute "Academia".

“Even though it is a long-awaited conversation with me, why do you restlessly keep looking somewhere else? Moreover, you blew up the attendants’ carriages’ roof!”

“That’s, um… I wanted to, um, separate my familiar from the maid, that’s why… …”

Like that, Louise very hesitantly informed her older sister.

As Eleanor curled up her hair, she sharply stared at Louise. Like a frog targeted by a snake Louise curled herself up.

“Let the attendants do whatever they want! As always, you’re a restless kid, aren’t you?! You are a daughter of the la Vallière house, you know?! Be more self-concious!”

“O-Okay…”
Louise quietly drooped her shoulders.

“B-But… … Whatever you say, being taken by the academy’s maid is…”

“Shrimp. Listening? The la Vallière house is not simply Tristain’s noble family, it is our noble family. Even you should understand that, right?”

“Yes, Onee-sama”

“You can’t use only your familiar as an attendant, right? Louise, a lady, you know, is a person that must always have one, at worst, female attendant to take care of her when traveling.”

Eleanor, serving at Tristain’s Academia, came this morning to the Academy of Magic in order to take Louise home with her.
She caught Siesta that was passing by with the laundry basket in her hands, said “This girl will be good enough as a female attendant during the journey” and after getting a nearby aristocrat teacher’s consent, she was taken for the sake of looking after Louise.

Siesta and Saito boarded the carriage for attendants, after it was forcibly prepared by the academy’s employees. Louise and Eleanor boarded their own coach that was used to come to the academy.

There were practically no stops so there really wasn’t any need of help along the way. Siesta was simply a decoration. However, to nobles that ornament was very important.

<center>* * *</center>

As for that Louise’s innermost thoughts, they weren’t calm at all.

That’s because this homecoming wasn’t a part of the plan at all.

The military operation to invade Albion was proclaimed at the school after the summer break ended, approximately at the time the two moons overlapped…

It’s been many decades since the last time the king’s troops had insufficient officers in order to organize an expeditionary force. It was decided that in order to do that aristocrat students were to be assigned as officers. One of the teachers and the academy’s chief Osman were against that, but Henrietta, the Cardinal and the queen’s army’s generals ignored that objection. The academy was closed down until the end of the war.

The bearer of the “Void”, the court lady under Henrietta’s direct supervision, Louise, in order for the invasion strategies to succeed, was to be given special missions.

However… after Louise reported to her parents that “For the fatherland’s sake, I will join the queen’s army in order to take part in Albion’s invasion” it ended up becoming a huge ruckus.

Joining the campaign wasn’t allowed and, even though a letter arrived, ignoring it, Eleanor came.

Naturally, Louise was very angry. What will happen of going to the front? Even now all across the country, at our parade grounds and garrisons, a lot of students are training to become temporary officers. Most of them are male students that have chosen to enter the war.

I am a girl, but I have to protect Her Majesty’s honor as her court lady. Moreover, in this invasion plan, the airplane of my familiar is supposed to play a key role.

There are a lot of expectations placed upon my Void as well. Henrietta and the Cardinal consider me the queen’s army’s trump card.
As a Tristainian noble, there is no greater honor than that.

Well, I definitely don’t like war. But, for the princess’ and the fatherland’s sake I’d like to offer my poor ability. Since the Void was given to me I have a duty to be zealous in my loyalty to the fatherland. Isn’t the loyalty to the fatherland one of the things the noble family of the la Vallière house is boastful? And yet my own house opposed my firm resolution to join the front.

“Really, you’re doing such selfish things! War? What would you do there?! Good things? Get ready to get scolded by Mother and Father when we get home!”

“B-But… …”

Just as she was about to answer back, her cheeks got pinched. Eleanor was completely treating Louise as a kid, just like in the old days. Just like when she answered back during studies, she called her a shrimp over and over again.

“But? “Yes “, you mean, shrimp?! Little Louise!

As expected of sisters. Eleanor had the same expression as Louise at the times at which she trained her familiar. Louise couldn’t do anything to oppose her.

“Fue, Au, Ouch, Ane-sama, my cheeks au au… …”

She said with a pathetic voice.

<center>* * *</center>

As the incantation never flew over no matter how long he waited, Saito let out a sigh of relief. It seems like for some reason Louise wasn’t able to complete her incantation.

It seems that while she was sticking to him, Siesta became happy, so perhaps she had forgotten that there is no roof.

“Hey, hey, Saito-san”

“Hm? W-What?”

“Traveling sure is enjoyable!”

“Y-Yeah… …”

He nodded. Saito hadn’t become that optimistic.

When he thought about the things that are to come, he realized that the problems were piling up.

Henrietta and the others were making war plans. What was going to happen from now on was an assault war. Of course, Louise is going to participate. As things are now I have no choice, but to follow and participate no matter what as well. Most likely for the bearer of Zero there is some kind of war campaign. Probably, we’ll have to do something dangerous.

I can’t get into a cheerful mood.

Damn it, as soon as this war is over this time I’ll search for a way to return to my original world, to Japan, that’s what Saito decided. Until then no matter what happens I can’t allow myself to die.

Seeing Saito with the face of a person thinking about a lot of things, Siesta’s face clouded up.

“I don’t want that”

”Hm?”

“Saito-san, will go to Albion as well, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

It seems like Siesta’s cheerful attitude until now was just a performance to cheer up Saito.

“I, hate the nobles”

“Siesta…”

“It would be fine if they simply killed each other… but they involve us commoners as well…”

“Even if it’s for the sake of ending the war… they’re just saying that”

Remembering Henrietta’s words, Saito muttered

“Doesn’t matter if it’s for the sake of ending one or beginning one, war is war.”

Saito became silent.

Before, during the battle at Tarbes, there was a reason to fight. “Help out Siesta and the village’s people”, that kind of just cause.

But, during the invasion of Albion this time, what kind of reason is there?

I don’t want to fight, is there even a reason behind this fight?

Louise is in high spirits… but I have no interest in this.

But at the time I touched Henrietta I felt an “I want to help such a poor princess’ hand.” kind of feeling, Saito cheered up a bit.

“Why does Saito-san have to go? You have no relation, right?”

“Well, it may be so, but…” his elbow was caught

Siesta buried his face into her breasts.

“Don’t die… Don’t die no matter what…”

Saito felt that such a Siesta is lovely.

To be cried for in such a way by such a cute maid… that alone was a reason enough for Saito to keep living on… As I thought, I’m and idiot, right.

But, Louise’s house huh…

Louise’s big sister that I met earlier was a beautiful woman, but she had a hard expression, didn’t she... , he thought. Splendidly, Saito saw with only a glimpse. At the time they met he noticed that even though her eyes were different from Louise’s she had the same high attitude. Will Louise give off the same feeling when she grows a bit older? That would be painful.

Also, there was a kind of suspicious feeling in the air. It seemed that Louise and everyone in that house had a bit of a difference in opinions.

This time, we’re going towards the home of that Louise.

Saito looked up at the sky, sighed, and thought with an attitude lacking spirit... what’s going to happen from now on?

<center>* * *</center>

In the southern part of Londinium, the capital city of Albion, stood the Howland palace.

The White Hall inside it was indeed an appropriate vital point of the “White Country” Albion.

That place, painted entirely in white, was incredibly impressive. There were sixteen columns supporting the ceiling of the hall.

Like a wound in the wall, a face illuminated by the light was revealed.

In the middle of that hall was placed a huge “Round Table” made of rock, around which the ministers and generals of the Holy Albion Republic were gathering, waiting for the start of the council’s meeting.

This was the place at which, until roughly twenty years ago, the ministers gathered around the king in order to control the country, but now the ruler has changed.

The people that participated in the revolution and took the country from the monarchy gave themselves top posts in the country as was to be expected.

As for the person that, until twenty years ago, was a simple local bishop…

The one that used to have a lower social status than everyone that had gathered here… even than the protection squad members that were standing on the sides of the door…

The two protection squad members opened the hall’s door.

“The Holy Albion Republic’s noble government congress chairman, gasp, Oliver…”

Cromwell, raising his hand, interrupted the voice…

“G-Gasp?”

“Shouldn’t we remove this useless tradition? Because amongst the people that have gathered here, none stands above another!”

As always, Cromwell’s private secretary, Sheffield, was walking behind him and next to her the figures of the healed up viscount Wardes and Fouquet the Dirt Crumb could be seen.

As Cromwell was heading towards the chief’s seat, Sheffield was following him like a shadow. Wardes and Fouquet sat down in two free seats.

After the chairman and first emperor was seated the meeting began. One man raised his hand. It was General Hawkins. With grey hair, white moustache and a long military service, the general stared with intense eyes at the emperor that used to be a bishop.

After Cromwell allowed him, he stood up.

“Your excellency, I would like to ask You something”

“Ask whatever you want”

“After losing the battle at Tarbes and our army that remained there, reorganizing our naval fleet has become essential. That’s because if we don’t have an armada we can neither transport our armies nor defend our own territory”

[[Image:ZnT06-027.jpg|thumb]]

Cromwell nodded in agreement.

“The secret operation to abduct the queen in order to earn some time failed as well”

“That’s right”

“Have those results reached His excellency’s ears?”

“Of course. After all, it’s necessary to know everything about the incidents”

“The enemy army is... ah. Tristain and Germania’s allied forces are preparing their fleets as quickly as possible. The two countries have a total of sixty battle-ready ships that can set out into the sky. If we begin the reorganization of our army now, after the maintenance our warship battle-line will not be able to rival theirs. Moreover, their side’s warships are all brand new.”

One of the generals muttered with a voice full of disdain

“It’s a fleet of Haribotes! They are inferior to us!”

“That’s a story of the past, Your excellency. There is no reason to praise our own army now. At the time of the revolution we executed the majority of our superior generals and as a result the strength of our side was weakened. The remaining veterans were lost because of the defeat at Tarbes”

Cromwell was staying silent.

“At the present they still haven’t finished rallying their ships. Furthermore, they seem to be calling together the lords’ armies.”

“They’re like a hedgehog. If it’s like that it will be difficult to attack us”

A fat general blurted that out with a cheerful voice. Hawkins glared at him.

“Difficult to attack? Isn’t it obvious that that the enemy’s army is probably scheming something if they’ve gathered so few forces”

Hawkins hit the table strongly.

“They’re planning to attack this continent, Albion, you know. And, a question. I’d like to be informed of His excellency’s defense plan. If it comes to a decisive battle with fleets, we will be defenseless. If the enemy’s army manages to land… it’s over. Our army is exhausted because of the revolutionary war, so please give me an answer…”

“Those are the thoughts of a defeatist!”

A young general with bloodshot eyes criticized Hawkins. Cromwell grinned lightly as he raised one of his hands as a signal to stop.

“In order for them to attack Albion, there is a necessity to mobilize their whole military force”

“However, they have no reason to leave soldiers in the country”

“Why is that?”

“Because to them, with the exception of our country, there is no other enemy”

“Do they have an intention to leave their back unprotected?

“Gallia declared neutrality. That’s something that was foreseen and is necessary in order for the invasion to take place”

Cromwell looked over his shoulder and exchanged glances with Sheffield. She gave a small nod.

<center>* * *</center>

<center>* * *</center>

Cromwell went with Sheffield, Wardes and Fouquet to his office and after he sat down in the ruler’s seat he looked at his subordinates.

“Your wounds have healed up, right? Viscount”

Wardes bowed. Cromwell smiled lightly and questioned Wardes.

“Now then, say what you have to say”

“As that general pointed out, Tristain and Germania are certainly going to attack us, right?”

“Yeah. So, what are the odds?”

“Evenly matched… no, perhaps our power is a bit greater. The number of our soldiers is lower, but we have an advantage considering position”

“Also, we have Your excellency’s void”

Fouquet said in a thoughtful manner. As she said that Cromwell coughed unpleasantly.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. All of you should understand, after I’ve told you so many times, that I can’t use any powerful incantations. Except for giving life to those that have already died, that is. If you keep saying that, I’ll be troubled.

As Cromwell was saying, he couldn’t use any useful incantations at all.

“I didn’t have an intention to trouble You. Only, if we don’t show that we have a trump card, the army’s morale will be lowered.”

As Wardes said that, Cromwell nodded.

“Indeed, there is no greater trump card than the Void”

“Well then, as I thought, is Gallia going to join the war?”

At the beginning, the plan was for Gallia to aid Albion’s invasion of Tristain by attacking Germania at the same time, but… because Albion’s army was defeated at Tarbes there was a need to change the original plan. The proposition that came from Gallia’s side was to deflect the enemy’s army into the Albion continent, while Gallia took that opportunity to attack Tristain and Germania.

After Wardes heard that plan he said to Cromwell.

“You excellency, I have only one more thing I’d like to know”

“What is it?”

“Gallia’s imperial rule is going to aid us in destroying Halgenia’s monarchic system, is that right? What are we going to do if they’re doing it with an ill intent?

Cromwell looked at Wardes with cold eyes.

“Viscount, that isn’t something that you should be thinking about. Leave politics to me, it will be good enough to work hard on the duty that has been assigned to you.”

Wardes closed his eyes and lowered his head.

“As you wish”

“The duty that has been given to you. You’re doing it, right?”

“With everything I have”

“Mennavil”

As soon as Cromwell called out, the door of the office opened and a single man appeared. He was about forty years old, with gray hair and a wrinkled face, but because of his disciplined body, one couldn’t notice his age. At first glance he appeared to be a swordsman, because of his rough outlook, but he was carrying a cane, so he was a mage.

There was a characteristic of his face that really stood out. Starting from the middle of his forehead, across his left eye and ending at his cheek, there was a big burn.

Cromwell introduced Wardes to him.

“This is Viscount Wardes”

With an iron expression Mennavil suddenly stared at Wardes.

“Wardes you should have at least heard his name, right? He is White Mennavil”

Wardes’ eyes glittered. He had a memory of hearing that name. The legendary mage mercenary. The White Flame. The one that used cowardly methods during a duel and as a result got his noble title confiscated and became a mercenary, killed his own family by burning them to death and abandoned his house. It is said that the number of the people he has burned so far is greater than the number of the birds he has grilled in order to eat. There are also many other rumors about him that have been floating about.

There was one certain thing in those rumors.

That on the battlefield he used his flame with thorough cruelty. That flame didn’t choose its opponent. He was a man to whom the age and gender of the ones he burned didn’t matter. He was a man that deprived humans of their warmth as if they’re free fires… that’s who this White Mennavil was.

“What’s wrong, Viscount? There’s a legend right before your eyes”

“I was just thinking, that I’m glad this place isn’t a battlefield”

Wardes expressed his honest thoughts.

“Now then, Wardes. With you in the lead, I want you to transport a small squad”

A faint dissatisfaction could be noticed on Wardes’ face. “He wants Me to be a carrier?” is what his eyes said.

“I’d rather you don’t make such a grim face. Moreover, I’d like you to serve with perfection. Rather than small unit, this secret squad is going to need a Wind specialist in order to use a boat as transport. In short, you”

“… As you wish”

“Gallia’s army will capture everything, without us having to do anything, so I expect you to at least push “there”. After you have completed your work report to me immediately”

Cromwell muttered with an impatient voice.

“Where is “there” supposed to be?”

“Firstly, it has to be a place where the defense is weak and the room’s price is low. In other words, it mustn’t be too close to the capital of Tristain. Next, it has to be an important place that has a role in the politics. Therefore, it mustn’t be too far neither.”

“Role in politics?”

“For example, taking young nobles as hostages will definitely have its effects on the country’s politics, right?”

Wardes’ lips curled up a bit.

With an exaggerated motion, Cromwell informed them of the destination.

“It’s the Academy of Magic, Viscount. As the commanding officer, you will take advantage of the night and head there with Mennavil and a small squad”

<center>* * *</center>

At the same time, at the Academy of Magic──────────

Kirche and Tabitha were taking a walk in the Austori plaza. Right now it was break time. As always, the place was bursting with students, however…

All of them were female students. The figures of the male students, making noise, were nowhere to be seen.

“Well, well, it really feels like war, doesn’t it”

Kirche spread her hands and shoke her head. Most of the male students volunteered to join the queen’s army, because they were troubled by the lack of officers. She was surprised, because even that coward Guiche volunteered. (I don’t know where to put one of the words in this sentence => のマリコルヌ)

All of them were in the middle of training, at the country’s festival grounds, to become substitute officers. It’s natural that the academy has quieted down.

Of course, Tabitha was also one of the people that stayed behind. There’s no point for Tabitha, who has sworn to take revenge on Gallia’s king, for some unknown reason, to thrust her head into a war at a different place.

Kirche volunteered to join her fatherland’s army as well, but she wasn’t allowed, because she was a woman. She was regretful, because she really wanted to act violently.

Well, because the male teachers departed as well, the lessons were cut in half.

The female students that now had a lot of free time, overcome with loneliness, were searching for rumors in order to find out whether their lovers or friends were safe. Having noticed Montmorency’s figure, sitting on a bench with her elbows on her knees, Kirche approached her.

“My my, since your lover’s gone, you’re bored, huh?”

Montmorency looked straight at her, and muttered with an annoyed tone.

“It’s normal for him to be gone. I don’t feel so bad about it”

“But, aren’t you lonely?”

“That guy, you know, he’s overdoing it even though he’s a coward. Si~gh, but when he’s gone it really is a bit lonely, isn’t it”

Kirche patted Montmorency’s shoulder.

“Well, they’ll come back before the festival of Founder Brimir’s Descent. After all it’s said that it will be an easy victory if it’s your country’s dear Queen’s and our country’s great Emperor’s armies combined.

Kirche muttered the “dear” and “great” with sarcasm in her voice. From the beginning, Germanian nobles didn’t have much of a loyal heart. After all, it was a country that was created by lords who gathered together, because they had similar interests.

“That would be nice”

Montmorency sighed.

While looking at such a Montmorency, Kirche ended up feeling a similar painful feeling. “I don’t like it… I really don’t like war”, muttered the one that was always prepared to fight.

<center>* * *</center>

Kirche and Tabitha were walking lazily when they arrived at Callman’s laboratory, that was located next to the Tower of Flame. In there Callman was working very hard in order to finish the final war adjustments of the Zero Fighter.

Even though most of the male teachers had departed… Callman was in his usual “my pace” mood. As soon as the wind of war started blowing, he immersed himself into his studies.

“It’s pretty busy, isn’t it?”

Kirche asked that Callman with an unsure voice.

“Hm?” Callman raised his head a bit and smiled.

“Oh, Miss. Miss Zerbst. You should take my lectures on Fire Manipulation from time to time”

Callman said as if he’s in class.(someone retranslate please)

“Yes”

Kirche answered with an uncomfortable and a bit sad face and nodded.

“What’s wrong? Miss…”

“Mister, You didn’t volunteer to join the queen’s army, did you?

Even though most of the academy’s men joined the war, is what she meant by that.

“Hm? Yeah… Because I hate war”

Callman turned his face away from Kirche. Kirche snorted with a face full of disdain. “So unmanly”, she thought. She could see nothing but a person that had ran away from the war. She couldn’t forgive this teacher that, even though he was one of the proud “Flame Users”, calmly declared that he hates war.

“As a person that also uses Fire, I’m embarassed”

Callman was facing down for a while, but then he looked up again.

“Miss… you know? The Fire’s purpose…

“Isn’t only fighting, is what you want to say, right? I’m tired of hearing that”

“That’s right. That’s simply the way it’s being used. But except for destruction…”

“I don’t want to listen to a coward’s blabbering”

Kirche turned away her face and, urging Tabitha to move along, walked away. As he watched that scene, Callman let out a lonely sigh.

<center>* * *</center>

Returning to the laboratory, he sat down in a chair.

Callman went into deep thought for a while… he unlocked the drawer of the desk that was covered by a lot of things, using the key that was hanging by a string from his neck.

In that drawer there was a small box. He took it out and opened the lid.

There was a small red ruby ring shining like a fire inside it.

If one concentrated, he would be able to see a flickering flame inside the precious stone.

As he looked at that flame, the memories of the incident from twenty years ago were resurrected. The memories of that scene were imprinted into his mind and even now the colors were vivid. In that clear glittering flame… Callman was blaming himself. In just a moment, he remember everything he had forgotten….

After that Callman looked around the inside of the laboratory. It was a small house with a shabby exterior, but he liked it much more than the mansion and property he had inherited from his ancestors and of which he himself had disposed. The walls were covered by various tools and flasks he had obtained in time.

As he gazed at them, Callman suddenly crumbled as if in pain.

“The Fire’s purpose… isn’t only destruction…”

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Back to Color Illustrations]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Forward to Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-17T14:33:26Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

===Chapter One: Homecoming===

"Traveling sure is exciting!"

Siesta shouted and pushed her big chest against Saito's arm.

“Rather than “exciting” I'd say it's “touching””

With a flustered head, Saito gave a short nod.

Inside a carriage, Saito and Siesta were sitting next to each other on a small seat.

Siesta was wearing a dark green one-piece dress with high boots.

Also, she had a small straw hat, which altogether made for quite the nice appearance.

When black haired, sweet and innocent Siesta had that appearance, overall she seemed almost too cute.

More than just being cute, it was hard to hold anything back.

''Damn you, putting me in this condition.''

And the worst part is that, while making such an oddly audacious move, that cute Siesta was still radiating a sweet innocent atmosphere.

[[Image:ZnT06-013.jpg|thumb]]

As she sat next to Saito, she hugged one of his arms to her and squeezed her breasts against it.

“S-S-S-Siesta, when you get so close to me.. . your breasts are touching my arm, touching me and…and such…like…” Saito said half crying, becoming incomprehensible...

“Ah, I meant to do it!”

Siesta said with a totally carefree, smiling face.

“L…Like that, on purpose, That is… At a place there is a person, like that, hey, you…”

Saito who couldn’t stop talking, in order to sooth his own conscience, just protested like this.

“You don’t have to worry about the coachman. He’s a golem.”

The young man sitting on the coachman stand was a puppet(Golem) which moved somehow or other with the use of magical power.

Now that you mention it, its eyes are like glass beads emitting light.

Consequently, this made Siesta even bolder. She placed her cheek on Saito’s shoulder and her mouth near his ear, mixing sighs with her voice.

“…doing it like this, just the two of us…it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Y…Yeah”

“I think I heard it sometime, but during summer break, what did you do with Miss Valliere?”

''I can’t tell her that.''

''I can’t say that Henrietta requested a shinobi mission from us.''

''Though it was mostly washing dishes and stuff, it's a secret.''

“Uh, umm, that is…, I worked at a bar. Louise worked in the castle so….what she did, I don’t know,” Saito lied about Louise. Saying the truth about himself is probably alright, he decided.

“Oh! A bar! Saito did! Why again?”

“Eh, uh, that is…I don’t have any money”

“If it’s something like that, a money thing, just tell me and I would be happy to help!"

“You would?”

“Yes, it isn’t much but, I scraped some wages and saved.

As expected of a reliable village girl. Instead of squandering money, she is quite frugal.

Siesta’s kind proposal made Saito glad.

“It’s alright. Somehow, I managed!”

“Really? But, if at times you are in need, please tell me without holding back."

''There is no way I can borrow even a little bit of money from this admirable girl who has scrimped and saved like this.''


“I can't borrow money from Siesta-san!”

“Aye! Why? As long as it's for Saito-san, money isn't important to me!” When she finished speaking, the girl lowered her shoulders.

“Ah, right, you mean you are really not interested in using my money right?”

“That's not the reason why!”

“You must hate me!”

”No, it's nothing like that!”

“Really? But Saito-san is always so cold to me”

“I am? How so?”

“I am sitting next to you, and you aren't making a move.”

While Saito moved around hastily, Siesta hmmed a little and moved her lips to his neck. This kind of feelings that can make a person melt surprised Saito to no end.

Siesta moved her lips upwards, finally nibbling Saito’s ear.

While feeling as if his brain is about to melt, the air seemed to grow cold and as a shivering sensation went down his spine, he shakily squeaked "Si-Si-Sieasta-san.."

In the instant he said that, something blew the top of the carriage away.

Well, blown is not the right word, it appeared more like some hidden explosive sent the whole thing flying. In that moment Saito and Siesta’s carriage suddenly changed from an enclosed carriage to an Sky-light carriage.

Trembling from fear Saito turned around slowly.

Only to see a carriage nearly twice the size and far more luxurious, pulled by two horses.

Sensing a killing intend emulating from the carriage, Saito became not simply afraid, but extremely afraid. It look like I'm going to die, when we arrive at the destination.

The luxurious carriage released an overwhelming Aura of death.

“Wa…Wa…the roof of the carriage!” Siesta wailed while latching on to Saito.

“Si-Siesta-san!”

“What, What is happening?”

“If you don’t want to die, I think we should sit apart.”

But that only made Siesta cling on to Saito even tighter.

“I don’t know what's going on, but my heart is pure!”

She screamed and pushed Saito down. On one side, Saito is very happy and excited about her feelings, while another kind of messages flashed through his mind, “Haha, this is the end of my life, It really was too short, I hope I'll at least get to return to Japanese soil..”

<center>* * *</center>

Now then, from the carriage that was running behind Saito’s, from the window of that splendid carriage…

Louise was sticking out her head, holding a light brown cane in her hand, shaking in anger and breathing heavily.

The roof of Saito and Siesta’s carriage was blown up by Louise with her Void magic “Explosion.”

Because of the window on the back of the carriage, Louise could see everything going on inside.

Louise was shaking while watching them as they hugged each other inside their coach and Siesta kissed Saito’s neck.

Finally, as the maid’s lips came up to her familiar’s ear, Louise’s anger exploded. She wouldn’t let her own familiar get kissed.

However, as the roof was being blown off, she noticed that Siesta embraced Saito even tighter.

Louise’s eyebrow went up instantly and just as she was about to spell the happy couple’s doom, someone pulled her legs.

“Kya!”

As she yelled that, her cheeks were stretched

“Id hurds! Yan! Au! Funya! Ahh! Id hurds!”

The prideful and haughty Louise getting her face pulled in such a manner and unable to raise a single complaint. If Saito was able to see this scene, his eyes would most likely pop out in shock.

The one pulling Louise’s cheeks like that was… …, a beautiful blond woman. She was about twenty-five years old. Vaguely, her face resembled Louise’s. If she cooled down her hot blood and grew up a bit, would she look like that as well? To cut it short, there was a beautiful woman.

“Little Louise. My talk hasn’t finished yet, has it?”

“Auu..., I’b sowwy..., Abe-saba, I’b sowwy...”

As her cheeks were being stretched, Louise shouted with a teary voice. There was a total of four absolute existences in Louise’s life. Henrietta, her parents and this bossy old sister, Eleanor. Eleven years older than Louise, the eldest daughter of the la Vallière house is known to be the most excellent researcher in the Royal Magic Research Institute "Academia".

“Even though it is a long-awaited conversation with me, why do you restlessly keep looking somewhere else? Moreover, you blew up the attendants’ carriages’ roof!”

“That’s, um… I wanted to, um, separate my familiar from the maid, that’s why… …”

Like that, Louise very hesitantly informed her older sister.

As Eleanor curled up her hair, she sharply stared at Louise. Like a frog targeted by a snake Louise curled herself up.

“Let the attendants do whatever they want! As always, you’re a restless kid, aren’t you?! You are a daughter of the la Vallière house, you know?! Be more self-concious!”

“O-Okay…”
Louise quietly drooped her shoulders.

“B-But… … Whatever you say, being taken by the academy’s maid is…”

“Shrimp. Listening? The la Vallière house is not simply Tristain’s noble family, it is our noble family. Even you should understand that, right?”

“Yes, Onee-sama”

“You can’t use only your familiar as an attendant, right? Louise, a lady, you know, is a person that must always have one, at worst, female attendant to take care of her when traveling.”

Eleanor, serving at Tristain’s Academia, came this morning to the Academy of Magic in order to take Louise home with her.
She caught Siesta that was passing by with the laundry basket in her hands, said “This girl will be good enough as a female attendant during the journey” and after getting a nearby aristocrat teacher’s consent, she was taken for the sake of looking after Louise.

Siesta and Saito boarded the carriage for attendants, after it was forcibly prepared by the academy’s employees. Louise and Eleanor boarded their own coach that was used to come to the academy.

There were practically no stops so there really wasn’t any need of help along the way. Siesta was simply a decoration. However, to nobles that ornament was very important.

<center>* * *</center>

As for that Louise’s innermost thoughts, they weren’t calm at all.

That’s because this homecoming wasn’t a part of the plan at all.

The military operation to invade Albion was proclaimed at the school after the summer break ended, approximately at the time the two moons overlapped…

It’s been many decades since the last time the king’s troops had insufficient officers in order to organize an expeditionary force. It was decided that in order to do that aristocrat students were to be assigned as officers. One of the teachers and the academy’s chief Osman were against that, but Henrietta, the Cardinal and the queen’s army’s generals ignored that objection. The academy was closed down until the end of the war.

The bearer of the “Void”, the court lady under Henrietta’s direct supervision, Louise, in order for the invasion strategies to succeed, was to be given special missions.

However… after Louise reported to her parents that “For the fatherland’s sake, I will join the queen’s army in order to take part in Albion’s invasion” it ended up becoming a huge ruckus.

Joining the campaign wasn’t allowed and, even though a letter arrived, ignoring it, Eleanor came.

Naturally, Louise was very angry. What will happen of going to the front? Even now all across the country, at our parade grounds and garrisons, a lot of students are training to become temporary officers. Most of them are male students that have chosen to enter the war.

I am a girl, but I have to protect Her Majesty’s honor as her court lady. Moreover, in this invasion plan, the airplane of my familiar is supposed to play a key role.

There are a lot of expectations placed upon my Void as well. Henrietta and the Cardinal consider me the queen’s army’s trump card.
As a Tristainian noble, there is no greater honor than that.

Well, I definitely don’t like war. But, for the princess’ and the fatherland’s sake I’d like to offer my poor ability. Since the Void was given to me I have a duty to be zealous in my loyalty to the fatherland. Isn’t the loyalty to the fatherland one of the things the noble family of the la Vallière house is boastful? And yet my own house opposed my firm resolution to join the front.

“Really, you’re doing such selfish things! War? What would you do there?! Good things? Get ready to get scolded by Mother and Father when we get home!”

“B-But… …”

Just as she was about to answer back, her cheeks got pinched. Eleanor was completely treating Louise as a kid, just like in the old days. Just like when she answered back during studies, she called her a shrimp over and over again.

“But? “Yes “, you mean, shrimp?! Little Louise!

As expected of sisters. Eleanor had the same expression as Louise at the times at which she trained her familiar. Louise couldn’t do anything to oppose her.

“Fue, Au, Ouch, Ane-sama, my cheeks au au… …”

She said with a pathetic voice.

<center>* * *</center>

As the incantation never flew over no matter how long he waited, Saito let out a sigh of relief. It seems like for some reason Louise wasn’t able to complete her incantation.

It seems that while she was sticking to him, Siesta became happy, so perhaps she had forgotten that there is no roof.

“Hey, hey, Saito-san”

“Hm? W-What?”

“Traveling sure is enjoyable!”

“Y-Yeah… …”

He nodded. Saito hadn’t become that optimistic.

When he thought about the things that are to come, he realized that the problems were piling up.

Henrietta and the others were making war plans. What was going to happen from now on was an assault war. Of course, Louise is going to participate. As things are now I have no choice, but to follow and participate no matter what as well. Most likely for the bearer of Zero there is some kind of war campaign. Probably, we’ll have to do something dangerous.

I can’t get into a cheerful mood.

Damn it, as soon as this war is over this time I’ll search for a way to return to my original world, to Japan, that’s what Saito decided. Until then no matter what happens I can’t allow myself to die.

Seeing Saito with the face of a person thinking about a lot of things, Siesta’s face clouded up.

“I don’t want that”

”Hm?”

“Saito-san, will go to Albion as well, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

It seems like Siesta’s cheerful attitude until now was just a performance to cheer up Saito.

“I, hate the nobles”

“Siesta…”

“It would be fine if they simply killed each other… but they involve us commoners as well…”

“Even if it’s for the sake of ending the war… they’re just saying that”

Remembering Henrietta’s words, Saito muttered

“Doesn’t matter if it’s for the sake of ending one or beginning one, war is war.”

Saito became silent.

Before, during the battle at Tarbes, there was a reason to fight. “Help out Siesta and the village’s people”, that kind of just cause.

But, during the invasion of Albion this time, what kind of reason is there?

I don’t want to fight, is there even a reason behind this fight?

Louise is in high spirits… but I have no interest in this.

But at the time I touched Henrietta I felt an “I want to help such a poor princess’ hand.” kind of feeling, Saito cheered up a bit.

“Why does Saito-san have to go? You have no relation, right?”

“Well, it may be so, but…” his elbow was caught

Siesta buried his face into her breasts.

“Don’t die… Don’t die no matter what…”

Saito felt that such a Siesta is lovely.

To be cried for in such a way by such a cute maid… that alone was a reason enough for Saito to keep living on… As I thought, I’m and idiot, right.

But, Louise’s house huh…

Louise’s big sister that I met earlier was a beautiful woman, but she had a hard expression, didn’t she... , he thought. Splendidly, Saito saw with only a glimpse. At the time they met he noticed that even though her eyes were different from Louise’s she had the same high attitude. Will Louise give off the same feeling when she grows a bit older? That would be painful.

Also, there was a kind of suspicious feeling in the air. It seemed that Louise and everyone in that house had a bit of a difference in opinions.

This time, we’re going towards the home of that Louise.

Saito looked up at the sky, sighed, and thought with an attitude lacking spirit... what’s going to happen from now on?

<center>* * *</center>

In the southern part of Londinium, the capital city of Albion, stood the Howland palace.

The White Hall inside it was indeed an appropriate vital point of the “White Country” Albion.

That place, painted entirely in white, was incredibly impressive. There were sixteen columns supporting the ceiling of the hall.

Like a wound in the wall, a face illuminated by the light was revealed.

In the middle of that hall was placed a huge “Round Table” made of rock, around which the ministers and generals of the Holy Albion Republic were gathering, waiting for the start of the council’s meeting.

This was the place at which, until roughly twenty years ago, the ministers gathered around the king in order to control the country, but now the ruler has changed.

The people that participated in the revolution and took the country from the monarchy gave themselves top posts in the country as was to be expected.

As for the person that, until twenty years ago, was a simple local bishop…

The one that used to have a lower social status than everyone that had gathered here… even than the protection squad members that were standing on the sides of the door…

The two protection squad members opened the hall’s door.

“The Holy Albion Republic’s noble government congress chairman, gasp, Oliver…”

Cromwell, raising his hand, interrupted the voice…

“G-Gasp?”

“Shouldn’t we remove this useless tradition? Because amongst the people that have gathered here, none stands above another!”

As always, Cromwell’s private secretary, Sheffield, was walking behind him and next to her the figures of the healed up viscount Wardes and Fouquet the Dirt Crumb could be seen.

As Cromwell was heading towards the chief’s seat, Sheffield was following him like a shadow. Wardes and Fouquet sat down in two free seats.

After the chairman and first emperor was seated the meeting began. One man raised his hand. It was General Hawkins. With grey hair, white moustache and a long military service, the general stared with intense eyes at the emperor that used to be a bishop.

After Cromwell allowed him, he stood up.

“Your excellency, I would like to ask You something”

“Ask whatever you want”

“After losing the battle at Tarbes and our army that remained there, reorganizing our naval fleet has become essential. That’s because if we don’t have an armada we can neither transport our armies nor defend our own territory”

[[Image:ZnT06-027.jpg|thumb]]

Cromwell nodded in agreement.

“The secret operation to abduct the queen in order to earn some time failed as well”

“That’s right”

“Have those results reached His excellency’s ears?”

“Of course. After all, it’s necessary to know everything about the incidents”

“The enemy army is... ah. Tristain and Germania’s allied forces are preparing their fleets as quickly as possible. The two countries have a total of sixty battle-ready ships that can set out into the sky. If we begin the reorganization of our army now, after the maintenance our warship battle-line will not be able to rival theirs. Moreover, their side’s warships are all brand new.”

One of the generals muttered with a voice full of disdain

“It’s a fleet of Haribotes! They are inferior to us!”

“That’s a story of the past, Your excellency. There is no reason to praise our own army now. At the time of the revolution we executed the majority of our superior generals and as a result the strength of our side was weakened. The remaining veterans were lost because of the defeat at Tarbes”

Cromwell was staying silent.

“At the present they still haven’t finished rallying their ships. Furthermore, they seem to be calling together the lords’ armies.”

“They’re like a hedgehog. If it’s like that it will be difficult to attack us”

A fat general blurted that out with a cheerful voice. Hawkins glared at him.

“Difficult to attack? Isn’t it obvious that that the enemy’s army is probably scheming something if they’ve gathered so few forces”

Hawkins hit the table strongly.

“They’re planning to attack this continent, Albion, you know. And, a question. I’d like to be informed of His excellency’s defense plan. If it comes to a decisive battle with fleets, we will be defenseless. If the enemy’s army manages to land… it’s over. Our army is exhausted because of the revolutionary war, so please give me an answer…”

“Those are the thoughts of a defeatist!”

A young general with bloodshot eyes criticized Hawkins. Cromwell grinned lightly as he raised one of his hands as a signal to stop.

“In order for them to attack Albion, there is a necessity to mobilize their whole military force”

“However, they have no reason to leave soldiers in the country”

“Why is that?”

“Because to them, with the exception of our country, there is no other enemy”

“Do they have an intention to leave their back unprotected?

“Gallia declared neutrality. That’s something that was foreseen and is necessary in order for the invasion to take place”

Cromwell looked over his shoulder and exchanged glances with Sheffield. She gave a small nod.

<center>* * *</center>

<center>* * *</center>

Cromwell went with Sheffield, Wardes and Fouquet to his office and after he sat down in the ruler’s seat he looked at his subordinates.

“Your wounds have healed up, right? Viscount”

Wardes bowed. Cromwell smiled lightly and questioned Wardes.

“Now then, say what you have to say”

“As that general pointed out, Tristain and Germania are certainly going to attack us, right?”

“Yeah. So, what are the odds?”

“Evenly matched… no, perhaps our power is a bit greater. The number of our soldiers is lower, but we have an advantage considering position”

“Also, we have Your excellency’s void”

Fouquet said in a thoughtful manner. As she said that Cromwell coughed unpleasantly.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. All of you should understand, after I’ve told you so many times, that I can’t use any powerful incantations. Except for giving life to those that have already died, that is. If you keep saying that, I’ll be troubled.

As Cromwell was saying, he couldn’t use any useful incantations at all.

“I didn’t have an intention to trouble You. Only, if we don’t show that we have a trump card, the army’s morale will be lowered.”

As Wardes said that, Cromwell nodded.

“Indeed, there is no greater trump card than the Void”

“Well then, as I thought, is Gallia going to join the war?”

At the beginning, the plan was for Gallia to aid Albion’s invasion of Tristain by attacking Germania at the same time, but… because Albion’s army was defeated at Tarbes there was a need to change the original plan. The proposition that came from Gallia’s side was to deflect the enemy’s army into the Albion continent, while Gallia took that opportunity to attack Tristain and Germania.

After Wardes heard that plan he said to Cromwell.

“You excellency, I have only one more thing I’d like to know”

“What is it?”

“Gallia’s imperial rule is going to aid us in destroying Halgenia’s monarchic system, is that right? What are we going to do if they’re doing it with an ill intent?

Cromwell looked at Wardes with cold eyes.

“Viscount, that isn’t something that you should be thinking about. Leave politics to me, it will be good enough to work hard on the duty that has been assigned to you.”

Wardes closed his eyes and lowered his head.

“As you wish”

“The duty that has been given to you. You’re doing it, right?”

“With everything I have”

“Mennavil”

As soon as Cromwell called out, the door of the office opened and a single man appeared. He was about forty years old, with gray hair and a wrinkled face, but because of his disciplined body, one couldn’t notice his age. At first glance he appeared to be a swordsman, because of his rough outlook, but he was carrying a cane, so he was a mage.

There was a characteristic of his face that really stood out. Starting from the middle of his forehead, across his left eye and ending at his cheek, there was a big burn.

Cromwell introduced Wardes to him.

“This is Viscount Wardes”

With an iron expression Mennavil suddenly stared at Wardes.

“Wardes you should have at least heard his name, right? He is White Mennavil”

Wardes’ eyes glittered. He had a memory of hearing that name. The legendary mage mercenary. The White Flame. The one that used cowardly methods during a duel and as a result got his noble title confiscated and became a mercenary, killed his own family by burning them to death and abandoned his house. It is said that the number of the people he has burned so far is greater than the number of the birds he has grilled in order to eat. There are also many other rumors about him that have been floating about.

There was one certain thing in those rumors.

That on the battlefield he used his flame with thorough cruelty. That flame didn’t choose its opponent. He was a man to whom the age and gender of the ones he burned didn’t matter. He was a man that deprived humans of their warmth as if they’re free fires… that’s who this White Mennavil was.

“What’s wrong, Viscount? There’s a legend right before your eyes”

“I was just thinking, that I’m glad this place isn’t a battlefield”

Wardes expressed his honest thoughts.

“Now then, Wardes. With you in the lead, I want you to transport a small squad”

A faint dissatisfaction could be noticed on Wardes’ face. “He wants Me to be a carrier?” is what his eyes said.

“I’d rather you don’t make such a grim face. Moreover, I’d like you to serve with perfection. Rather than small unit, this secret squad is going to need a Wind specialist in order to use a boat as transport. In short, you”

“… As you wish”

“Gallia’s army will capture everything, without us having to do anything, so I expect you to at least push “there”. After you have completed your work report to me immediately”

Cromwell muttered with an impatient voice.

“Where is “there” supposed to be?”

“Firstly, it has to be a place where the defense is weak and the room’s price is low. In other words, it mustn’t be too close to the capital of Tristain. Next, it has to be an important place that has a role in the politics. Therefore, it mustn’t be too far neither.”

“Role in politics?”

“For example, taking young nobles as hostages will definitely have its effects on the country’s politics, right?”

Wardes’ lips curled up a bit.

With an exaggerated motion, Cromwell informed them of the destination.

“It’s the Academy of Magic, Viscount. As the commanding officer, you will take advantage of the night and head there with Mennavil and a small squad”

<center>* * *</center>

At the same time, at the Academy of Magic──────────

Kirche and Tabitha were taking a walk in the Austori plaza. Right now it was break time. As always, the place was bursting with students, however…

All of them were female students. The figures of the male students, making noise, were nowhere to be seen.

“Well, well, it really feels like war, doesn’t it”

Kirche spread her hands and shoke her head. Most of the male students volunteered to join the queen’s army, because they were troubled by the lack of officers. She was surprised, because even that coward Guiche volunteered. (I don’t know where to put one of the words in this sentence => のマリコルヌ)

All of them were in the middle of training, at the country’s festival grounds, to become substitute officers. It’s natural that the academy has quieted down.

Of course, Tabitha was also one of the people that stayed behind. There’s no point for Tabitha, who has sworn to take revenge on Gallia’s king, for some unknown reason, to thrust her head into a war at a different place.

Kirche volunteered to join her fatherland’s army as well, but she wasn’t allowed, because she was a woman. She was regretful, because she really wanted to act violently.

Well, because the male teachers departed as well, the lessons were cut in half.

The female students that now had a lot of free time, overcome with loneliness, were searching for rumors in order to find out whether their lovers or friends were safe. Having noticed Montmorency’s figure, sitting on a bench with her elbows on her knees, Kirche approached her.

“My my, since your lover’s gone, you’re bored, huh?”

Montmorency looked straight at her, and muttered with an annoyed tone.

“It’s normal for him to be gone. I don’t feel so bad about it”

“But, aren’t you lonely?”

“That guy, you know, he’s overdoing it even though he’s a coward. Si~gh, but when he’s gone it really is a bit lonely, isn’t it”

Kirche patted Montmorency’s shoulder.

“Well, they’ll come back before the festival of Founder Brimir’s Descent. After all it’s said that it will be an easy victory if it’s your country’s dear Queen’s and our country’s great Emperor’s armies combined.

Kirche muttered the “dear” and “great” with sarcasm in her voice. From the beginning, Germanian nobles didn’t have much of a loyal heart. After all, it was a country that was created by lords who gathered together, because they had similar interests.

“That would be nice”

Montmorency sighed.

While looking at such a Montmorency, Kirche ended up feeling a similar painful feeling. “I don’t like it… I really don’t like war”, muttered the one that was always prepared to fight.

<center>* * *</center>

Kirche and Tabitha were walking lazily when they arrived at Callman’s laboratory, that was located next to the Tower of Flame. In there Callman was working very hard in order to finish the final war adjustments of the Zero Fighter.

Even though most of the male teachers had departed… Callman was in his usual “my pace” mood. As soon as the wind of war started blowing, he immersed himself into his studies.

“It’s pretty busy, isn’t it?”

Kirche asked that Callman with an unsure voice.

“Hm?” Callman raised his head a bit and smiled.

“Oh, Miss. Miss Zerbst. You should take my lectures on Fire Manipulation from time to time”

Callman said as if he’s in class.(someone retranslate please)

“Yes”

Kirche answered with an uncomfortable and a bit sad face and nodded.

“What’s wrong? Miss…”

“Mister, You didn’t volunteer to join the queen’s army, did you?

Even though most of the academy’s men joined the war, is what she meant by that.

“Hm? Yeah… Because I hate war”

Callman turned his face away from Kirche. Kirche snorted with a face full of disdain. “So unmanly”, she thought. She could see nothing but a person that had ran away from the war. She couldn’t forgive this teacher that, even though he was one of the proud “Flame Users”, calmly declared that he hates war.

“As a person that also uses Fire, I’m embarassed”

Callman was facing down for a while, but then he looked up again.

“Miss… you know? The Fire’s purpose…

“Isn’t only fighting, is what you want to say, right? I’m tired of hearing that”

“That’s right. That’s simply the way it’s being used. But except for destruction…”

“I don’t want to listen to a coward’s blabbering”

Kirche turned away her face and, urging Tabitha to move along, walked away. As he watched that scene, Callman let out a lonely sigh.

<center>* * *</center>

Returning to the laboratory, he sat down in a chair.

Callman went into deep thought for a while… he unlocked the drawer of the desk that was covered by a lot of things, using the key that was hanging by a string from his neck.

In that drawer there was a small box. He took it out and opened the lid.

There was a small red ruby ring shining like a fire inside it.

If one concentrated, he would be able to see a flickering flame inside the precious stone.

As he looked at that flame, the memories of the incident from twenty years ago were resurrected. The memories of that scene were imprinted into his mind and even now the colors were vivid. In that clear glittering flame… Callman was blaming himself. In just a moment, he remember everything he had forgotten….

After that Callman looked around the inside of the laboratory. It was a small house with a shabby exterior, but he liked it much more than the mansion and property he had inherited from his ancestors and of which he himself had disposed. The walls were covered by various tools and flasks he had obtained in time.

As he gazed at them, Callman suddenly crumbled as if in pain.

“The Fire’s purpose… isn’t only destruction…”

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Back to Color Illustrations]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Forward to Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-17T14:32:49Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

===Chapter One: Homecoming===

"Traveling sure is exciting!"

Siesta shouted and pushed her big chest against Saito's arm.

“Rather than “exciting” I'd say it's “touching””

With a flustered head, Saito gave a short nod.

Inside a carriage, Saito and Siesta were sitting next to each other on a small seat.

Siesta was wearing a dark green one-piece dress with high boots.

Also, she had a small straw hat, which altogether made for quite the nice appearance.

When black haired, sweet and innocent Siesta had that appearance, overall she seemed almost too cute.

More than just being cute, it was hard to hold anything back.

''Damn you, putting me in this condition.''

And the worst part is that, while making such an oddly audacious move, that cute Siesta was still radiating a sweet innocent atmosphere.

[[Image:ZnT06-013.jpg|thumb]]

As she sat next to Saito, she hugged one of his arms to her and squeezed her breasts against it.

“S-S-S-Siesta, when you get so close to me.. . your breasts are touching my arm, touching me and…and such…like…” Saito said half crying, becoming incomprehensible...

“Ah, I meant to do it!”

Siesta said with a totally carefree, smiling face.

“L…Like that, on purpose, That is… At a place there is a person, like that, hey, you…”

Saito who couldn’t stop talking, in order to sooth his own conscience, just protested like this.

“You don’t have to worry about the coachman. He’s a golem.”

The young man sitting on the coachman stand was a puppet(Golem) which moved somehow or other with the use of magical power.

Now that you mention it, its eyes are like glass beads emitting light.

Consequently, this made Siesta even bolder. She placed her cheek on Saito’s shoulder and her mouth near his ear, mixing sighs with her voice.

“…doing it like this, just the two of us…it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Y…Yeah”

“I think I heard it sometime, but during summer break, what did you do with Miss Valliere?”

''I can’t tell her that.''

''I can’t say that Henrietta requested a shinobi mission from us.''

''Though it was mostly washing dishes and stuff, it's a secret.''

“Uh, umm, that is…, I worked at a bar. Louise worked in the castle so….what she did, I don’t know,” Saito lied about Louise. Saying the truth about himself is probably alright, he decided.

“Oh! A bar! Saito did! Why again?”

“Eh, uh, that is…I don’t have any money”

“If it’s something like that, a money thing, just tell me and I would be happy to help!"

“You would?”

“Yes, it isn’t much but, I scraped some wages and saved.

As expected of a reliable village girl. Instead of squandering money, she is quite frugal.

Siesta’s kind proposal made Saito glad.

“It’s alright. Somehow, I managed!”

“Really? But, if at times you are in need, please tell me without holding back."

''There is no way I can borrow even a little bit of money from this admirable girl who has scrimped and saved like this.''


“I can't borrow money from Siesta-san!”

“Aye! Why? As long as it's for Saito-san, money isn't important to me!” When she finished speaking, the girl lowered her shoulders.

“Ah, right, you mean you are really not interested in using my money right?”

“That's not the reason why!”

“You must hate me!”

”No, it's nothing like that!”

“Really? But Saito-san is always so cold to me”

“I am? How so?”

“I am sitting next to you, and you aren't making a move.”

While Saito moved around hastily, Siesta hmmed a little and moved her lips to his neck. This kind of feelings that can make a person melt surprised Saito to no end.

Siesta moved her lips upwards, finally nibbling Saito’s ear.

While feeling as if his brain is about to melt, the air seemed to grow cold and as a shivering sensation went down his spine, he shakily squeaked "Si-Si-Sieasta-san.."

In the instant he said that, something blew the top of the carriage away.

Well, blown is not the right word, it appeared more like some hidden explosive sent the whole thing flying. In that moment Saito and Siesta’s carriage suddenly changed from an enclosed carriage to an Sky-light carriage.

Trembling from fear Saito turned around slowly.

Only to see a carriage nearly twice the size and far more luxurious, pulled by two horses.

Sensing a killing intend emulating from the carriage, Saito became not simply afraid, but extremely afraid. It look like I'm going to die, when we arrive at the destination.

The luxurious carriage released an overwhelming Aura of death.

“Wa…Wa…the roof of the carriage!” Siesta wailed while latching on to Saito.

“Si-Siesta-san!”

“What, What is happening?”

“If you don’t want to die, I think we should sit apart.”

But that only made Siesta cling on to Saito even tighter.

“I don’t know what's going on, but my heart is pure!”

She screamed and pushed Saito down. On one side, Saito is very happy and excited about her feelings, while another kind of messages flashed through his mind, “Haha, this is the end of my life, It really was too short, I hope I'll at least get to return to Japanese soil..”

<center>* * *</center>

Now then, from the carriage that was running behind Saito’s, from the window of that splendid carriage…

Louise was sticking out her head, holding a light brown cane in her hand, shaking in anger and breathing heavily.

The roof of Saito and Siesta’s carriage was blown up by Louise with her Void magic “Explosion.”

Because of the window on the back of the carriage, Louise could see everything going on inside.

Louise was shaking while watching them as they hugged each other inside their coach and Siesta kissed Saito’s neck.

Finally, as the maid’s lips came up to her familiar’s ear, Louise’s anger exploded. She wouldn’t let her own familiar get kissed.

However, as the roof was being blown off, she noticed that Siesta embraced Saito even tighter.

Louise’s eyebrow went up instantly and just as she was about to spell the happy couple’s doom, someone pulled her legs.

“Kya!”

As she yelled that, her cheeks were stretched

“Id hurds! Yan! Au! Funya! Ahh! Id hurds!”

The prideful and haughty Louise getting her face pulled in such a manner and unable to raise a single complaint. If Saito was able to see this scene, his eyes would most likely pop out in shock.

The one pulling Louise’s cheeks like that was… …, a beautiful blond woman. She was about twenty-five years old. Vaguely, her face resembled Louise’s. If she cooled down her hot blood and grew up a bit, would she look like that as well? To cut it short, there was a beautiful woman.

“Little Louise. My talk hasn’t finished yet, has it?”

“Auu..., I’b sowwy..., Abe-saba, I’b sowwy...”

As her cheeks were being stretched, Louise shouted with a teary voice. There was a total of four absolute existences in Louise’s life. Henrietta, her parents and this bossy old sister, Eleanor. Eleven years older than Louise, the eldest daughter of the la Vallière house is known to be the most excellent researcher in the Royal Magic Research Institute "Academia".

“Even though it is a long-awaited conversation with me, why do you restlessly keep looking somewhere else? Moreover, you blew up the attendants’ carriages’ roof!”

“That’s, um… I wanted to, um, separate my familiar from the maid, that’s why… …”

Like that, Louise very hesitantly informed her older sister.

As Eleanor curled up her hair, she sharply stared at Louise. Like a frog targeted by a snake Louise curled herself up.

“Let the attendants do whatever they want! As always, you’re a restless kid, aren’t you?! You are a daughter of the la Vallière house, you know?! Be more self-concious!”

“O-Okay…”
Louise quietly drooped her shoulders.

“B-But… … Whatever you say, being taken by the academy’s maid is…”

“Shrimp. Listening? The la Vallière house is not simply Tristain’s noble family, it is our noble family. Even you should understand that, right?”

“Yes, Onee-sama”

“You can’t use only your familiar as an attendant, right? Louise, a lady, you know, is a person that must always have one, at worst, female attendant to take care of her when traveling.”

Eleanor, serving at Tristain’s Academia, came this morning to the Academy of Magic in order to take Louise home with her.
She caught Siesta that was passing by with the laundry basket in her hands, said “This girl will be good enough as a female attendant during the journey” and after getting a nearby aristocrat teacher’s consent, she was taken for the sake of looking after Louise.

Siesta and Saito boarded the carriage for attendants, after it was forcibly prepared by the academy’s employees. Louise and Eleanor boarded their own coach that was used to come to the academy.

There were practically no stops so there really wasn’t any need of help along the way. Siesta was simply a decoration. However, to nobles that ornament was very important.

<center>* * *</center>

As for that Louise’s innermost thoughts, they weren’t calm at all.

That’s because this homecoming wasn’t a part of the plan at all.

The military operation to invade Albion was proclaimed at the school after the summer break ended, approximately at the time the two moons overlapped…

It’s been many decades since the last time the king’s troops had insufficient officers in order to organize an expeditionary force. It was decided that in order to do that aristocrat students were to be assigned as officers. One of the teachers and the academy’s chief Osman were against that, but Henrietta, the Cardinal and the queen’s army’s generals ignored that objection. The academy was closed down until the end of the war.

The bearer of the “Void”, the court lady under Henrietta’s direct supervision, Louise, in order for the invasion strategies to succeed, was to be given special missions.

However… after Louise reported to her parents that “For the fatherland’s sake, I will join the queen’s army in order to take part in Albion’s invasion” it ended up becoming a huge ruckus.

Joining the campaign wasn’t allowed and, even though a letter arrived, ignoring it, Eleanor came.

Naturally, Louise was very angry. What will happen of going to the front? Even now all across the country, at our parade grounds and garrisons, a lot of students are training to become temporary officers. Most of them are male students that have chosen to enter the war.

I am a girl, but I have to protect Her Majesty’s honor as her court lady. Moreover, in this invasion plan, the airplane of my familiar is supposed to play a key role.

There are a lot of expectations placed upon my Void as well. Henrietta and the Cardinal consider me the queen’s army’s trump card.
As a Tristainian noble, there is no greater honor than that.

Well, I definitely don’t like war. But, for the princess’ and the fatherland’s sake I’d like to offer my poor ability. Since the Void was given to me I have a duty to be zealous in my loyalty to the fatherland. Isn’t the loyalty to the fatherland one of the things the noble family of the la Vallière house is boastful? And yet my own house opposed my firm resolution to join the front.

“Really, you’re doing such selfish things! War? What would you do there?! Good things? Get ready to get scolded by Mother and Father when we get home!”

“B-But… …”

Just as she was about to answer back, her cheeks got pinched. Eleanor was completely treating Louise as a kid, just like in the old days. Just like when she answered back during studies, she called her a shrimp over and over again.

“But? “Yes “, you mean, shrimp?! Little Louise!

As expected of sisters. Eleanor had the same expression as Louise at the times at which she trained her familiar. Louise couldn’t do anything to oppose her.

“Fue, Au, Ouch, Ane-sama, my cheeks au au… …”

She said with a pathetic voice.

<center>* * *</center>

As the incantation never flew over no matter how long he waited, Saito let out a sigh of relief. It seems like for some reason Louise wasn’t able to complete her incantation.

It seems that while she was sticking to him, Siesta became happy, so perhaps she had forgotten that there is no roof.

“Hey, hey, Saito-san”

“Hm? W-What?”

“Traveling sure is enjoyable!”

“Y-Yeah… …”

He nodded. Saito hadn’t become that optimistic.

When he thought about the things that are to come, he realized that the problems were piling up.

Henrietta and the others were making war plans. What was going to happen from now on was an assault war. Of course, Louise is going to participate. As things are now I have no choice, but to follow and participate no matter what as well. Most likely for the bearer of Zero there is some kind of war campaign. Probably, we’ll have to do something dangerous.

I can’t get into a cheerful mood.

Damn it, as soon as this war is over this time I’ll search for a way to return to my original world, to Japan, that’s what Saito decided. Until then no matter what happens I can’t allow myself to die.

Seeing Saito with the face of a person thinking about a lot of things, Siesta’s face clouded up.

“I don’t want that”

”Hm?”

“Saito-san, will go to Albion as well, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

It seems like Siesta’s cheerful attitude until now was just a performance to cheer up Saito.

“I, hate the nobles”

“Siesta…”

“It would be fine if they simply killed each other… but they involve us commoners as well…”

“Even if it’s for the sake of ending the war… they’re just saying that”

Remembering Henrietta’s words, Saito muttered

“Doesn’t matter if it’s for the sake of ending one or beginning one, war is war.”

Saito became silent.

Before, during the battle at Tarbes, there was a reason to fight. “Help out Siesta and the village’s people”, that kind of just cause.

But, during the invasion of Albion this time, what kind of reason is there?

I don’t want to fight, is there even a reason behind this fight?

Louise is in high spirits… but I have no interest in this.

But at the time I touched Henrietta I felt an “I want to help such a poor princess’ hand.” kind of feeling, Saito cheered up a bit.

“Why does Saito-san have to go? You have no relation, right?”

“Well, it may be so, but…” his elbow was caught

Siesta buried his face into her breasts.

“Don’t die… Don’t die no matter what…”

Saito felt that such a Siesta is lovely.

To be cried for in such a way by such a cute maid… that alone was a reason enough for Saito to keep living on… As I thought, I’m and idiot, right.

But, Louise’s house huh…

Louise’s big sister that I met earlier was a beautiful woman, but she had a hard expression, didn’t she... , he thought. Splendidly, Saito saw with only a glimpse. At the time they met he noticed that even though her eyes were different from Louise’s she had the same high attitude. Will Louise give off the same feeling when she grows a bit older? That would be painful.

Also, there was a kind of suspicious feeling in the air. It seemed that Louise and everyone in that house had a bit of a difference in opinions.

This time, we’re going towards the home of that Louise.

Saito looked up at the sky, sighed, and thought with an attitude lacking spirit... what’s going to happen from now on?

<center>* * *</center>

In the southern part of Londinium, the capital city of Albion, stood the Howland palace.

The White Hall inside it was indeed an appropriate vital point of the “White Country” Albion.

That place, painted entirely in white, was incredibly impressive. There were sixteen columns supporting the ceiling of the hall.

Like a wound in the wall, a face illuminated by the light was revealed.

In the middle of that hall was placed a huge “Round Table” made of rock, around which the ministers and generals of the Holy Albion Republic were gathering, waiting for the start of the council’s meeting.

This was the place at which, until roughly twenty years ago, the ministers gathered around the king in order to control the country, but now the ruler has changed.

The people that participated in the revolution and took the country from the monarchy gave themselves top posts in the country as was to be expected.

As for the person that, until twenty years ago, was a simple local bishop…

The one that used to have a lower social status than everyone that had gathered here… even than the protection squad members that were standing on the sides of the door…

The two protection squad members opened the hall’s door.

“The Holy Albion Republic’s noble government congress chairman, gasp, Oliver…”

Cromwell, raising his hand, interrupted the voice…

“G-Gasp?”

“Shouldn’t we remove this useless tradition? Because amongst the people that have gathered here, none stands above another!”

As always, Cromwell’s private secretary, Sheffield, was walking behind him and next to her the figures of the healed up viscount Wardes and Fouquet the Dirt Crumb could be seen.

As Cromwell was heading towards the chief’s seat, Sheffield was following him like a shadow. Wardes and Fouquet sat down in two free seats.

After the chairman and first emperor was seated the meeting began. One man raised his hand. It was General Hawkins. With grey hair, white moustache and a long military service, the general stared with intense eyes at the emperor that used to be a bishop.

After Cromwell allowed him, he stood up.

“Your excellency, I would like to ask You something”

“Ask whatever you want”

“After losing the battle at Tarbes and our army that remained there, reorganizing our naval fleet has become essential. That’s because if we don’t have an armada we can neither transport our armies nor defend our own territory”

[[Image:ZnT06-027.jpg|thumb]]

Cromwell nodded in agreement.

“The secret operation to abduct the queen in order to earn some time failed as well”

“That’s right”

“Have those results reached His excellency’s ears?”

“Of course. After all, it’s necessary to know everything about the incidents”

“The enemy army is... ah. Tristain and Germania’s allied forces are preparing their fleets as quickly as possible. The two countries have a total of sixty battle-ready ships that can set out into the sky. If we begin the reorganization of our army now, after the maintenance our warship battle-line will not be able to rival theirs. Moreover, their side’s warships are all brand new.”

One of the generals muttered with a voice full of disdain

“It’s a fleet of Haribotes! They are inferior to us!”

“That’s a story of the past, Your excellency. There is no reason to praise our own army now. At the time of the revolution we executed the majority of our superior generals and as a result the strength of our side was weakened. The remaining veterans were lost because of the defeat at Tarbes”

Cromwell was staying silent.

“At the present they still haven’t finished rallying their ships. Furthermore, they seem to be calling together the lords’ armies.”

“They’re like a hedgehog. If it’s like that it will be difficult to attack us”

A fat general blurted that out with a cheerful voice. Hawkins glared at him.

“Difficult to attack? Isn’t it obvious that that the enemy’s army is probably scheming something if they’ve gathered so few forces”

Hawkins hit the table strongly.

“They’re planning to attack this continent, Albion, you know. And, a question. I’d like to be informed of His excellency’s defense plan. If it comes to a decisive battle with fleets, we will be defenseless. If the enemy’s army manages to land… it’s over. Our army is exhausted because of the revolutionary war, so please give me an answer…”

“Those are the thoughts of a defeatist!”

A young general with bloodshot eyes criticized Hawkins. Cromwell grinned lightly as he raised one of his hands as a signal to stop.

“In order for them to attack Albion, there is a necessity to mobilize their whole military force”

“However, they have no reason to leave soldiers in the country”

“Why is that?”

“Because to them, with the exception of our country, there is no other enemy”

“Do they have an intention to leave their back unprotected?

“Gallia declared neutrality. That’s something that was foreseen and is necessary in order for the invasion to take place”

Cromwell looked over his shoulder and exchanged glances with Sheffield. She gave a small nod.

<center>* * *</center>

<center>* * *</center>

Cromwell went with Sheffield, Wardes and Fouquet to his office and after he sat down in the ruler’s seat he looked at his subordinates.

“Your wounds have healed up, right? Viscount”

Wardes bowed. Cromwell smiled lightly and questioned Wardes.

“Now then, say what you have to say”

“As that general pointed out, Tristain and Germania are certainly going to attack us, right?”

“Yeah. So, what are the odds?”

“Evenly matched… no, perhaps our power is a bit greater. The number of our soldiers is lower, but we have an advantage considering position”

“Also, we have Your excellency’s void”

Fouquet said in a thoughtful manner. As she said that Cromwell coughed unpleasantly.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. All of you should understand, after I’ve told you so many times, that I can’t use any powerful incantations. Except for giving life to those that have already died, that is. If you keep saying that, I’ll be troubled.

As Cromwell was saying, he couldn’t use any useful incantations at all.

“I didn’t have an intention to trouble You. Only, if we don’t show that we have a trump card, the army’s morale will be lowered.”

As Wardes said that, Cromwell nodded.

“Indeed, there is no greater trump card than the Void”

“Well then, as I thought, is Gallia going to join the war?”

At the beginning, the plan was for Gallia to aid Albion’s invasion of Tristain by attacking Germania at the same time, but… because Albion’s army was defeated at Tarbes there was a need to change the original plan. The proposition that came from Gallia’s side was to deflect the enemy’s army into the Albion continent, while Gallia took that opportunity to attack Tristain and Germania.

After Wardes heard that plan he said to Cromwell.

“You excellency, I have only one more thing I’d like to know”

“What is it?”

“Gallia’s imperial rule is going to aid us in destroying Halgenia’s monarchic system, is that right? What are we going to do if they’re doing it with an ill intent?

Cromwell looked at Wardes with cold eyes.

“Viscount, that isn’t something that you should be thinking about. Leave politics to me, it will be good enough to work hard on the duty that has been assigned to you.”

Wardes closed his eyes and lowered his head.

“As you wish”

“The duty that has been given to you. You’re doing it, right?”

“With everything I have”

“Mennavil”

As soon as Cromwell called out, the door of the office opened and a single man appeared. He was about forty years old, with gray hair and a wrinkled face, but because of his disciplined body, one couldn’t notice his age. At first glance he appeared to be a swordsman, because of his rough outlook, but he was carrying a cane, so he was a mage.

There was a characteristic of his face that really stood out. Starting from the middle of his forehead, across his left eye and ending at his cheek, there was a big burn.

Cromwell introduced Wardes to him.

“This is Viscount Wardes”

With an iron expression Mennavil suddenly stared at Wardes.

“Wardes you should have at least heard his name, right? He is White Mennavil”

Wardes’ eyes glittered. He had a memory of hearing that name. The legendary mage mercenary. The White Flame. The one that used cowardly methods during a duel and as a result got his noble title confiscated and became a mercenary, killed his own family by burning them to death and abandoned his house. It is said that the number of the people he has burned so far is greater than the number of the birds he has grilled in order to eat. There are also many other rumors about him that have been floating about.

There was one certain thing in those rumors.

That on the battlefield he used his flame with thorough cruelty. That flame didn’t choose its opponent. He was a man to whom the age and gender of the ones he burned didn’t matter. He was a man that deprived humans of their warmth as if they’re free fires… that’s who this White Mennavil was.

“What’s wrong, Viscount? There’s a legend right before your eyes”

“I was just thinking, that I’m glad this place isn’t a battlefield”

Wardes expressed his honest thoughts.

“Now then, Wardes. With you in the lead, I want you to transport a small squad”

A faint dissatisfaction could be noticed on Wardes’ face. “He wants Me to be a carrier?” is what his eyes said.

“I’d rather you don’t make such a grim face. Moreover, I’d like you to serve with perfection. Rather than small unit, this secret squad is going to need a Wind specialist in order to use a boat as transport. In short, you”

“… As you wish”

“Gallia’s army will capture everything, without us having to do anything, so I expect you to at least push “there”. After you have completed your work report to me immediately”

Cromwell muttered with an impatient voice.

“Where is “there” supposed to be?”

“Firstly, it has to be a place where the defense is weak and the room’s price is low. In other words, it mustn’t be too close to the capital of Tristain. Next, it has to be an important place that has a role in the politics. Therefore, it mustn’t be too far neither.”

“Role in politics?”

“For example, taking young nobles as hostages will definitely have its effects on the country’s politics, right?”

Wardes’ lips curled up a bit.

With an exaggerated motion, Cromwell informed them of the destination.

“It’s the Academy of Magic, Viscount. As the commanding officer, you will take advantage of the night and head there with Mennavil and a small squad”

<center>* * *</center>

At the same time, at the Academy of Magic──────────

Kirche and Tabitha were taking a walk in the Austori plaza. Right now it was break time. As always, the place was bursting with students, however…

All of them were female students. The figures of the male students, making noise, were nowhere to be seen.

“Well, well, it really feels like war, doesn’t it”

Kirche spread her hands and shoke her head. Most of the male students volunteered to join the queen’s army, because they were troubled by the lack of officers. She was surprised, because even that coward Guiche volunteered. (I don’t know where to put one of the words in this sentence => のマリコルヌ)

All of them were in the middle of training, at the country’s festival grounds, to become substitute officers. It’s natural that the academy has quieted down.

Of course, Tabitha was also one of the people that stayed behind. There’s no point for Tabitha, who has sworn to take revenge on Gallia’s king, for some unknown reason, to thrust her head into a war at a different place.

Kirche volunteered to join her fatherland’s army as well, but she wasn’t allowed, because she was a woman. She was regretful, because she really wanted to act violently.

Well, because the male teachers departed as well, the lessons were cut in half.

The female students that now had a lot of free time, overcome with loneliness, were searching for rumors in order to find out whether their lovers or friends were safe. Having noticed Montmorency’s figure, sitting on a bench with her elbows on her knees, Kirche approached her.

“My my, since your lover’s gone, you’re bored, huh?”

Montmorency looked straight at her, and muttered with an annoyed tone.

“It’s normal for him to be gone. I don’t feel so bad about it”

“But, aren’t you lonely?”

“That guy, you know, he’s overdoing it even though he’s a coward. Si~gh, but when he’s gone it really is a bit lonely, isn’t it”

Kirche patted Montmorency’s shoulder.

“Well, they’ll come back before the festival of Founder Brimir’s Descent. After all it’s said that it will be an easy victory if it’s your country’s dear Queen’s and our country’s great Emperor’s armies combined.

Kirche muttered the “dear” and “great” with sarcasm in her voice. From the beginning, Germanian nobles didn’t have much of a loyal heart. After all, it was a country that was created by lords who gathered together, because they had similar interests.

“That would be nice”

Montmorency sighed.

While looking at such a Montmorency, Kirche ended up feeling a similar painful feeling. “I don’t like it… I really don’t like war”, muttered the one that was always prepared to fight.

<center>* * *</center>

Kirche and Tabitha were walking lazily when they arrived at Callman’s laboratory, that was located next to the Tower of Flame. In there Callman was working very hard in order to finish the final war adjustments of the Zero Fighter.

Even though most of the male teachers had departed… Callman was in his usual “my pace” mood. As soon as the wind of war started blowing, he immersed himself into his studies.

“It’s pretty busy, isn’t it?”

Kirche asked that Callman with an unsure voice.

“Hm?” Callman raised his head a bit and smiled.

“Oh, Miss. Miss Zerbst. You should take my lectures on Fire Manipulation from time to time”

Callman said as if he’s in class.(someone retranslate please)

“Yes”

Kirche answered with an uncomfortable and a bit sad face and nodded.

“What’s wrong? Miss…”

“Mister, You didn’t volunteer to join the queen’s army, did you?

Even though most of the academy’s men joined the war, is what she meant by that.

“Hm? Yeah… Because I hate war”

Callman turned his face away from Kirche. Kirche snorted with a face full of disdain. “So unmanly”, she thought. She could see nothing but a person that had ran away from the war. She couldn’t forgive this teacher that, even though he was one of the proud “Flame Users”, calmly declared that he hates war.

“As a person that also uses Fire, I’m embarassed”

Callman was facing down for a while, but then he looked up again.

“Miss… you know? The Fire’s purpose…

“Isn’t only fighting, is what you want to say, right? I’m tired of hearing that”

“That’s right. That’s simply the way it’s being used. But except for destruction…”

“I don’t want to listen to a coward’s blabbering”

Kirche turned away her face and, urging Tabitha to move along, walked away. As he watched that scene, Callman let out a lonely sigh.

<center>* * *</center>

Returning to the laboratory, he sat down in a chair.

Callman went into deep thought for a while… he unlocked the drawer of the desk that was covered by a lot of things, using the key that was hanging by a string from his neck.

In that drawer there was a small box. He took it out and opened the lid.

There was a small red ruby ring shining like a fire inside it.

If one concentrated, he would be able to see a flickering flame inside the precious stone.

As he looked at that flame, the memories of the incident from twenty years ago were resurrected. The memories of that scene were imprinted into his mind and even now the colors were vivid. In that clear glittering flame… Callman was blaming himself. In just a moment, he remember everything he had forgotten….

After that Callman looked around the inside of the laboratory. It was a small house with a shabby exterior, but he liked it much more than the mansion and property he had inherited from his ancestors and of which he himself had disposed. The walls were covered by various tools and flasks he had obtained in time.

As he gazed at them, Callman suddenly crumbled as if in pain.

“The Fire’s purpose… isn’t only destruction…”

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Back to Color Illustrations]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Forward to Chapter 2]]
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</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-17T14:29:38Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

===Chapter One: Homecoming===

"Traveling sure is exciting!"

Siesta shouted and pushed her big chest against Saito's arm.

“Rather than “exciting” I'd say it's “touching””

With a flustered head, Saito gave a short nod.

Inside a carriage, Saito and Siesta were sitting next to each other on a small seat.

Siesta was wearing a dark green one-piece dress with high boots.

Also, she had a small straw hat, which altogether made for quite the nice appearance.

When black haired, sweet and innocent Siesta had that appearance, overall she seemed almost too cute.

More than just being cute, it was hard to hold anything back.

''Damn you, putting me in this condition.''

And the worst part is that, while making such an oddly audacious move, that cute Siesta was still radiating a sweet innocent atmosphere.

[[Image:ZnT06-013.jpg|thumb]]

As she sat next to Saito, she hugged one of his arms to her and squeezed her breasts against it.

“S-S-S-Siesta, when you get so close to me.. . your breasts are touching my arm, touching me and…and such…like…” Saito said half crying, becoming incomprehensible...

“Ah, I meant to do it!”

Siesta said with a totally carefree, smiling face.

“L…Like that, on purpose, That is… At a place there is a person, like that, hey, you…”

Saito who couldn’t stop talking, in order to sooth his own conscience, just protested like this.

“You don’t have to worry about the coachman. He’s a golem.”

The young man sitting on the coachman stand was a puppet(Golem) which moved somehow or other with the use of magical power.

Now that you mention it, its eyes are like glass beads emitting light.

Consequently, this made Siesta even bolder. She placed her cheek on Saito’s shoulder and her mouth near his ear, mixing sighs with her voice.

“…doing it like this, just the two of us…it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Y…Yeah”

“I think I heard it sometime, but during summer break, what did you do with Miss Valliere?”

''I can’t tell her that.''

''I can’t say that Henrietta requested a shinobi mission from us.''

''Though it was mostly washing dishes and stuff, it's a secret.''

“Uh, umm, that is…, I worked at a bar. Louise worked in the castle so….what she did, I don’t know,” Saito lied about Louise. Saying the truth about himself is probably alright, he decided.

“Oh! A bar! Saito did! Why again?”

“Eh, uh, that is…I don’t have any money”

“If it’s something like that, a money thing, just tell me and I would be happy to help!"

“You would?”

“Yes, it isn’t much but, I scraped some wages and saved.

As expected of a reliable village girl. Instead of squandering money, she is quite frugal.

Siesta’s kind proposal made Saito glad.

“It’s alright. Somehow, I managed!”

“Really? But, if at times you are in need, please tell me without holding back."

''There is no way I can borrow even a little bit of money from this admirable girl who has scrimped and saved like this.''


“I can't borrow money from Siesta-san!”

“Aye! Why? As long as it's for Saito-san, money isn't important to me!” When she finished speaking, the girl lowered her shoulders.

“Ah, right, you mean you are really not interested in using my money right?”

“That's not the reason why!”

“You must hate me!”

”No, it's nothing like that!”

“Really? But Saito-san is always so cold to me”

“I am? How so?”

“I am sitting next to you, and you aren't making a move.”

While Saito moved around hastily, Siesta hmmed a little and moved her lips to his neck. This kind of feelings that can make a person melt surprised Saito to no end.

Siesta moved her lips upwards, finally nibbling Saito’s ear.

While feeling as if his brain is about to melt, the air seemed to grow cold and as a shivering sensation went down his spine, he shakily squeaked "Si-Si-Sieasta-san.."

In the instant he said that, something blew the top of the carriage away.

Well, blown is not the right word, it appeared more like some hidden explosive sent the whole thing flying. In that moment Saito and Siesta’s carriage suddenly changed from an enclosed carriage to an Sky-light carriage.

Trembling from fear Saito turned around slowly.

Only to see a carriage nearly twice the size and far more luxurious, pulled by two horses.

Sensing a killing intend emulating from the carriage, Saito became not simply afraid, but extremely afraid. It look like I'm going to die, when we arrive at the destination.

The luxurious carriage released an overwhelming Aura of death.

“Wa…Wa…the roof of the carriage!” Siesta wailed while latching on to Saito.

“Si-Siesta-san!”

“What, What is happening?”

“If you don’t want to die, I think we should sit apart.”

But that only made Siesta cling on to Saito even tighter.

“I don’t know what's going on, but my heart is pure!”

She screamed and pushed Saito down. On one side, Saito is very happy and excited about her feelings, while another kind of messages flashed through his mind, “Haha, this is the end of my life, It really was too short, I hope I'll at least get to return to Japanese soil..”

<center>* * *</center>

Now then, from the carriage that was running behind Saito’s, from the window of that splendid carriage…

Louise was sticking out her head, holding a light brown cane in her hand, shaking in anger and breathing heavily.

The roof of Saito and Siesta’s carriage was blown up by Louise with her Void magic “Explosion.”

Because of the window on the back of the carriage, Louise could see everything going on inside.

Louise was shaking while watching them as they hugged each other inside their coach and Siesta kissed Saito’s neck.

Finally, as the maid’s lips came up to her familiar’s ear, Louise’s anger exploded. She wouldn’t let her own familiar get kissed.

However, as the roof was being blown off, she noticed that Siesta embraced Saito even tighter.

Louise’s eyebrow went up instantly and just as she was about to spell the happy couple’s doom, someone pulled her legs.

“Kya!”

As she yelled that, her cheeks were stretched

“Id hurds! Yan! Au! Funya! Ahh! Id hurds!”

The prideful and haughty Louise getting her face pulled in such a manner and unable to raise a single complaint. If Saito was able to see this scene, his eyes would most likely pop out in shock.

The one pulling Louise’s cheeks like that was… …, a beautiful blond woman. She was about twenty-five years old. Vaguely, her face resembled Louise’s. If she cooled down her hot blood and grew up a bit, would she look like that as well? To cut it short, there was a beautiful woman.

“Little Louise. My talk hasn’t finished yet, has it?”

“Auu..., I’b sowwy..., Abe-saba, I’b sowwy...”

As her cheeks were being stretched, Louise shouted with a teary voice. There was a total of four absolute existences in Louise’s life. Henrietta, her parents and this bossy old sister, Eleanor. Eleven years older than Louise, the eldest daughter of the la Vallière house is known to be the most excellent researcher in the Royal Magic Research Institute "Academia".

“Even though it is a long-awaited conversation with me, why do you restlessly keep looking somewhere else? Moreover, you blew up the attendants’ carriages’ roof!”

“That’s, um… I wanted to, um, separate my familiar from the maid, that’s why… …”

Like that, Louise very hesitantly informed her older sister.

As Eleanor curled up her hair, she sharply stared at Louise. Like a frog targeted by a snake Louise curled herself up.

“Let the attendants do whatever they want! As always, you’re a restless kid, aren’t you?! You are a daughter of the la Vallière house, you know?! Be more self-concious!”

“O-Okay…”
Louise quietly drooped her shoulders.

“B-But… … Whatever you say, being taken by the academy’s maid is…”

“Shrimp. Listening? The la Vallière house is not simply Tristain’s noble family, it is our noble family. Even you should understand that, right?”

“Yes, Onee-sama”

“You can’t use only your familiar as an attendant, right? Louise, a lady, you know, is a person that must always have one, at worst, female attendant to take care of her when traveling.”

Eleanor, serving at Tristain’s Academia, came this morning to the Academy of Magic in order to take Louise home with her.
She caught Siesta that was passing by with the laundry basket in her hands, said “This girl will be good enough as a female attendant during the journey” and after getting a nearby aristocrat teacher’s consent, she was taken for the sake of looking after Louise.

Siesta and Saito boarded the carriage for attendants, after it was forcibly prepared by the academy’s employees. Louise and Eleanor boarded their own coach that was used to come to the academy.

There were practically no stops so there really wasn’t any need of help along the way. Siesta was simply a decoration. However, to nobles that ornament was very important.

<center>* * *</center>

As for that Louise’s innermost thoughts, they weren’t calm at all.

That’s because this homecoming wasn’t a part of the plan at all.

The military operation to invade Albion was proclaimed at the school after the summer break ended, approximately at the time the two moons overlapped…

It’s been many decades since the last time the king’s troops had insufficient officers in order to organize an expeditionary force. It was decided that in order to do that aristocrat students were to be assigned as officers. One of the teachers and the academy’s chief Osman were against that, but Henrietta, the Cardinal and the queen’s army’s generals ignored that objection. The academy was closed down until the end of the war.

The bearer of the “Void”, the court lady under Henrietta’s direct supervision, Louise, in order for the invasion strategies to succeed, was to be given special missions.

However… after Louise reported to her parents that “For the fatherland’s sake, I will join the queen’s army in order to take part in Albion’s invasion” it ended up becoming a huge ruckus.

Joining the campaign wasn’t allowed and, even though a letter arrived, ignoring it, Eleanor came.

Naturally, Louise was very angry. What will happen of going to the front? Even now all across the country, at our parade grounds and garrisons, a lot of students are training to become temporary officers. Most of them are male students that have chosen to enter the war.

I am a girl, but I have to protect Her Majesty’s honor as her court lady. Moreover, in this invasion plan, the airplane of my familiar is supposed to play a key role.

There are a lot of expectations placed upon my Void as well. Henrietta and the Cardinal consider me the queen’s army’s trump card.
As a Tristainian noble, there is no greater honor than that.

Well, I definitely don’t like war. But, for the princess’ and the fatherland’s sake I’d like to offer my poor ability. Since the Void was given to me I have a duty to be zealous in my loyalty to the fatherland. Isn’t the loyalty to the fatherland one of the things the noble family of the la Vallière house is boastful? And yet my own house opposed my firm resolution to join the front.

“Really, you’re doing such selfish things! War? What would you do there?! Good things? Get ready to get scolded by Mother and Father when we get home!”

“B-But… …”

Just as she was about to answer back, her cheeks got pinched. Eleanor was completely treating Louise as a kid, just like in the old days. Just like when she answered back during studies, she called her a shrimp over and over again.

“But? “Yes “, you mean, shrimp?! Little Louise!

As expected of sisters. Eleanor had the same expression as Louise at the times at which she trained her familiar. Louise couldn’t do anything to oppose her.

“Fue, Au, Ouch, Ane-sama, my cheeks au au… …”

She said with a pathetic voice.

<center>* * *</center>

As the incantation never flew over no matter how long he waited, Saito let out a sigh of relief. It seems like for some reason Louise wasn’t able to complete her incantation.

It seems that while she was sticking to him, Siesta became happy, so perhaps she had forgotten that there is no roof.

“Hey, hey, Saito-san”

“Hm? W-What?”

“Traveling sure is enjoyable!”

“Y-Yeah… …”

He nodded. Saito hadn’t become that optimistic.

When he thought about the things that are to come, he realized that the problems were piling up.

Henrietta and the others were making war plans. What was going to happen from now on was an assault war. Of course, Louise is going to participate. As things are now I have no choice, but to follow and participate no matter what as well. Most likely for the bearer of Zero there is some kind of war campaign. Probably, we’ll have to do something dangerous.

I can’t get into a cheerful mood.

Damn it, as soon as this war is over this time I’ll search for a way to return to my original world, to Japan, that’s what Saito decided. Until then no matter what happens I can’t allow myself to die.

Seeing Saito with the face of a person thinking about a lot of things, Siesta’s face clouded up.

“I don’t want that”

”Hm?”

“Saito-san, will go to Albion as well, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

It seems like Siesta’s cheerful attitude until now was just a performance to cheer up Saito.

“I, hate the nobles”

“Siesta…”

“It would be fine if they simply killed each other… but they involve us commoners as well…”

“Even if it’s for the sake of ending the war… they’re just saying that”

Remembering Henrietta’s words, Saito muttered

“Doesn’t matter if it’s for the sake of ending one or beginning one, war is war.”

Saito became silent.

Before, during the battle at Tarbes, there was a reason to fight. “Help out Siesta and the village’s people”, that kind of just cause.

But, during the invasion of Albion this time, what kind of reason is there?

I don’t want to fight, is there even a reason behind this fight?

Louise is in high spirits… but I have no interest in this.

But at the time I touched Henrietta I felt an “I want to help such a poor princess’ hand.” kind of feeling, Saito cheered up a bit.

“Why does Saito-san have to go? You have no relation, right?”

“Well, it may be so, but…” his elbow was caught

Siesta buried his face into her breasts.

“Don’t die… Don’t die no matter what…”

Saito felt that such a Siesta is lovely.

To be cried for in such a way by such a cute maid… that alone was a reason enough for Saito to keep living on… As I thought, I’m and idiot, right.

But, Louise’s house huh…

Louise’s big sister that I met earlier was a beautiful woman, but she had a hard expression, didn’t she... , he thought. Splendidly, Saito saw with only a glimpse. At the time they met he noticed that even though her eyes were different from Louise’s she had the same high attitude. Will Louise give off the same feeling when she grows a bit older? That would be painful.

Also, there was a kind of suspicious feeling in the air. It seemed that Louise and everyone in that house had a bit of a difference in opinions.

This time, we’re going towards the home of that Louise.

Saito looked up at the sky, sighed, and thought with an attitude lacking spirit... what’s going to happen from now on?

<center>* * *</center>

In the southern part of Londinium, the capital city of Albion, stood the Howland palace.

The White Hall inside it was indeed an appropriate vital point of the “White Country” Albion.

That place, painted entirely in white, was incredibly impressive. There were sixteen columns supporting the ceiling of the hall.

Like a wound in the wall, a face illuminated by the light was revealed.

In the middle of that hall was placed a huge “Round Table” made of rock, around which the ministers and generals of the Holy Albion Republic were gathering, waiting for the start of the council’s meeting.

This was the place at which, until roughly twenty years ago, the ministers gathered around the king in order to control the country, but now the ruler has changed.

The people that participated in the revolution and took the country from the monarchy gave themselves top posts in the country as was to be expected.

As for the person that, until twenty years ago, was a simple local bishop…

The one that used to have a lower social status than everyone that had gathered here… even than the protection squad members that were standing on the sides of the door…

The two protection squad members opened the hall’s door.

“The Holy Albion Republic’s noble government congress chairman, gasp, Oliver…”

Cromwell, raising his hand, interrupted the voice…

“G-Gasp?”

“Shouldn’t we remove this useless tradition? Because amongst the people that have gathered here, none stands above another!”

As always, Cromwell’s private secretary, Sheffield, was walking behind him and next to her the figures of the healed up viscount Wardes and Fouquet the Dirt Crumb could be seen.

As Cromwell was heading towards the chief’s seat, Sheffield was following him like a shadow. Wardes and Fouquet sat down in two free seats.

After the chairman and first emperor was seated the meeting began. One man raised his hand. It was General Hawkins. With grey hair, white moustache and a long military service, the general stared with intense eyes at the emperor that used to be a bishop.

After Cromwell allowed him, he stood up.

“Your excellency, I would like to ask You something”

“Ask whatever you want”

“After losing the battle at Tarbes and our army that remained there, reorganizing our naval fleet has become essential. That’s because if we don’t have an armada we can neither transport our armies nor defend our own territory”

[[Image:ZnT06-027.jpg|thumb]]

Cromwell nodded in agreement.

“The secret operation to abduct the queen in order to earn some time failed as well”

“That’s right”

“Have those results reached His excellency’s ears?”

“Of course. After all, it’s necessary to know everything about the incidents”

“The enemy army is... ah. Tristain and Germania’s allied forces are preparing their fleets as quickly as possible. The two countries have a total of sixty battle-ready ships that can set out into the sky. If we begin the reorganization of our army now, after the maintenance our warship battle-line will not be able to rival theirs. Moreover, their side’s warships are all brand new.”

One of the generals muttered with a voice full of disdain

“It’s a fleet of Haribotes! They are inferior to us!”

“That’s a story of the past, Your excellency. There is no reason to praise our own army now. At the time of the revolution we executed the majority of our superior generals and as a result the strength of our side was weakened. The remaining veterans were lost because of the defeat at Tarbes”

Cromwell was staying silent.

“At the present they still haven’t finished rallying their ships. Furthermore, they seem to be calling together the lords’ armies.”

“They’re like a hedgehog. If it’s like that it will be difficult to attack us”

A fat general blurted that out with a cheerful voice. Hawkins glared at him.

“Difficult to attack? Isn’t it obvious that that the enemy’s army is probably scheming something if they’ve gathered so few forces”

Hawkins hit the table strongly.

“They’re planning to attack this continent, Albion, you know. And, a question. I’d like to be informed of His excellency’s defense plan. If it comes to a decisive battle with fleets, we will be defenseless. If the enemy’s army manages to land… it’s over. Our army is exhausted because of the revolutionary war, so please give me an answer…”

“Those are the thoughts of a defeatist!”

A young general with bloodshot eyes criticized Hawkins. Cromwell grinned lightly as he raised one of his hands as a signal to stop.

“In order for them to attack Albion, there is a necessity to mobilize their whole military force”

“However, they have no reason to leave soldiers in the country”

“Why is that?”

“Because to them, with the exception of our country, there is no other enemy”

“Do they have an intention to leave their back unprotected?

“Gallia declared neutrality. That’s something that was foreseen and is necessary in order for the invasion to take place”

Cromwell looked over his shoulder and exchanged glances with Sheffield. She gave a small nod.

<center>* * *</center>

<center>* * *</center>

Cromwell went with Sheffield, Wardes and Fouquet to his office and after he sat down in the ruler’s seat he looked at his subordinates.

“Your wounds have healed up, right? Viscount”

Wardes bowed. Cromwell smiled lightly and questioned Wardes.

“Now then, say what you have to say”

“As that general pointed out, Tristain and Germania are certainly going to attack us, right?”

“Yeah. So, what are the odds?”

“Evenly matched… no, perhaps our power is a bit greater. The number of our soldiers is lower, but we have an advantage considering position”

“Also, we have Your excellency’s void”

Fouquet said in a thoughtful manner. As she said that Cromwell coughed unpleasantly.

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing. All of you should understand, after I’ve told you so many times, that I can’t use any powerful incantations. Except for giving life to those that have already died, that is. If you keep saying that, I’ll be troubled.

As Cromwell was saying, he couldn’t use any useful incantations at all.

“I didn’t have an intention to trouble You. Only, if we don’t show that we have a trump card, the army’s morale will be lowered.”

As Wardes said that, Cromwell nodded.

“Indeed, there is no greater trump card than the Void”

“Well then, as I thought, is Gallia going to join the war?”

At the beginning, the plan was for Gallia to aid Albion’s invasion of Tristain by attacking Germania at the same time, but… because Albion’s army was defeated at Tarbes there was a need to change the original plan. The proposition that came from Gallia’s side was to deflect the enemy’s army into the Albion continent, while Gallia took that opportunity to attack Tristain and Germania.

After Wardes heard that plan he said to Cromwell.

“You excellency, I have only one more thing I’d like to know”

“What is it?”

“Gallia’s imperial rule is going to aid us in destroying Halgenia’s monarchic system, is that right? What are we going to do if they’re doing it with an ill intent?

Cromwell looked at Wardes with cold eyes.

“Viscount, that isn’t something that you should be thinking about. Leave politics to me, it will be good enough to work hard on the duty that has been assigned to you.”

Wardes closed his eyes and lowered his head.

“As you wish”

“The duty that has been given to you. You’re doing it, right?”

“With everything I have”

“Mennavil”

As soon as Cromwell called out, the door of the office opened and a single man appeared. He was about forty years old, with gray hair and a wrinkled face, but because of his disciplined body, one couldn’t notice his age. At first glance he appeared to be a swordsman, because of his rough outlook, but he was carrying a cane, so he was a mage.

There was a characteristic of his face that really stood out. Starting from the middle of his forehead, across his left eye and ending at his cheek, there was a big burn.

Cromwell introduced Wardes to him.

“This is Viscount Wardes”

With an iron expression Mennavil suddenly stared at Wardes.

“Wardes you should have at least heard his name, right? He is White Mennavil”

Wardes’ eyes glittered. He had a memory of hearing that name. The legendary mage mercenary. The White Flame. The one that used cowardly methods during a duel and as a result got his noble title confiscated and became a mercenary, killed his own family by burning them to death and abandoned his house. It is said that the number of the people he has burned so far is greater than the number of the birds he has grilled in order to eat. There are also many other rumors about him that have been floating about.

There was one certain thing in those rumors.

That on the battlefield he used his flame with thorough cruelty. That flame didn’t choose its opponent. He was a man to whom the age and gender of the ones he burned didn’t matter. He was a man that deprived humans of their warmth as if they’re free fires… that’s who this White Mennavil was.

“What’s wrong, Viscount? There’s a legend right before your eyes”

“I was just thinking, that I’m glad this place isn’t a battlefield”

Wardes expressed his honest thoughts.

“Now then, Wardes. With you in the lead, I want you to transport a small squad”

A faint dissatisfaction could be noticed on Wardes’ face. “He wants Me to be a carrier?” is what his eyes said.

“I’d rather you don’t make such a grim face. Moreover, I’d like you to serve with perfection. Rather than small unit, this secret squad is going to need a Wind specialist in order to use a boat as transport. In short, you”

“… As you wish”

“Gallia’s army will capture everything, without us having to do anything, so I expect you to at least push “there”. After you have completed your work report to me immediately”

Cromwell muttered with an impatient voice.

“Where is “there” supposed to be?”

“Firstly, it has to be a place where the defense is weak and the room’s price is low. In other words, it mustn’t be too close to the capital of Tristain. Next, it has to be an important place that has a role in the politics. Therefore, it mustn’t be too far neither.”

“Role in politics?”

“For example, taking young nobles as hostages will definitely have its effects on the country’s politics, right?”

Wardes’ lips curled up a bit.

With an exaggerated motion, Cromwell informed them of the destination.

“It’s the Academy of Magic, Viscount. As the commanding officer, you will take advantage of the night and head there with Mennavil and a small squad”

<center>* * *</center>

At the same time, at the Academy of Magic──────────

Kirche and Tabitha were taking a walk in the Austori plaza. Right now it was break time. As always, the place was bursting with students, however…

All of them were female students. The figures of the male students, making noise, were nowhere to be seen.

“Well, well, it really feels like war, doesn’t it”

Kirche spread her hands and shoke her head. Most of the male students volunteered to join the queen’s army, because they were troubled by the lack of officers. She was surprised, because even that coward Guiche volunteered. (I don’t know where to put one of the words in this sentence => のマリコルヌ)

All of them were in the middle of training, at the country’s festival grounds, to become substitute officers. It’s natural that the academy has quieted down.

Of course, Tabitha was also one of the people that stayed behind. There’s no point for Tabitha, who has sworn to take revenge on Gallia’s king, for some unknown reason, to thrust her head into a war at a different place.

Kirche volunteered to join her fatherland’s army as well, but she wasn’t allowed, because she was a woman. She was regretful, because she really wanted to act violently.

Well, because the male teachers departed as well, the lessons were cut in half.

The female students that now had a lot of free time, overcome with loneliness, were searching for rumors in order to find out whether their lovers or friends were safe. Having noticed Montmorency’s figure, sitting on a bench with her elbows on her knees, Kirche approached her.

“My my, since your lover’s gone, you’re bored, huh?”

Montmorency looked straight at her, and muttered with an annoyed tone.

“It’s normal for him to be gone. I don’t feel so bad about it”

“But, aren’t you lonely?”

“That guy, you know, he’s overdoing it even though he’s a coward. Si~gh, but when he’s gone it really is a bit lonely, isn’t it”

Kirche patted Montmorency’s shoulder.

“Well, they’ll come back before the festival of Founder Brimir’s Descent. After all it’s said that it will be an easy victory if it’s your country’s dear Queen’s and our country’s great Emperor’s armies combined.

Kirche muttered the “dear” and “great” with sarcasm in her voice. From the beginning, Germanian nobles didn’t have much of a loyal heart. After all, it was a country that was created by lords who gathered together, because they had similar interests.

“That would be nice”

Montmorency sighed.

While looking at such a Montmorency, Kirche ended up feeling a similar painful feeling. “I don’t like it… I really don’t like war”, muttered the one that was always prepared to fight.

<center>* * *</center>

Kirche and Tabitha were walking lazily when they arrived at Callman’s laboratory, that was located next to the Tower of Flame. In there Callman was working very hard in order to finish the final war adjustments of the Zero Fighter.

Even though most of the male teachers had departed… Callman was in his usual “my pace” mood. As soon as the wind of war started blowing, he immersed himself into his studies.

“It’s pretty busy, isn’t it?”

Kirche asked that Callman with an unsure voice.

“Hm?” Callman raised his head a bit and smiled.

“Oh, Miss. Miss Zerbst. You should take my lectures on Fire Manipulation from time to time”

Callman said as if he’s in class.(someone retranslate please)

“Yes”

Kirche answered with an uncomfortable and a bit sad face and nodded.

“What’s wrong? Miss…”

“Mister, You didn’t volunteer to join the queen’s army, did you?

Even though most of the academy’s men joined the war, is what she meant by that.

“Hm? Yeah… Because I hate war”

Callman turned his face away from Kirche. Kirche snorted with a face full of disdain. “So unmanly”, she thought. She could see nothing but a person that had ran away from the war. She couldn’t forgive this teacher that, even though he was one of the proud “Flame Users”, calmly declared that he hates war.

“As a person that also uses Fire, I’m embarassed”

Callman was facing down for a while, but then he looked up again.

“Miss… you know? The Fire’s purpose…

“Isn’t only fighting, is what you want to say, right? I’m tired of hearing that”

“That’s right. That’s simply the way it’s being used. But except for destruction…”

“I don’t want to listen to a coward’s blabbering”

Kirche turned away her face and, urging Tabitha to move along, walked away. As he watched that scene, Callman let out a lonely sigh.

<center>* * *</center>

Returning to the laboratory, he sat down in a chair.

Callman went into deep thought for a while… he unlocked the drawer of the desk that was covered by a lot of things, using the key that was hanging by a string from his neck.

In that drawer there was a small box. He took it out and opened the lid.

There was a small red ruby ring shining like a fire inside it.

If one concentrated, he would be able to see a flickering flame inside the precious stone.

As he looked at that flame, the memories of the incident from twenty years ago were resurrected. The memories of that scene were imprinted into his mind and even now the colors were vivid. In that clear glittering flame… Callman was blaming himself. In just a moment, he remember everything he had forgotten….

After that Callman looked around the inside of the laboratory. It was a small house with a shabby exterior, but he liked it much more than the mansion and property he had inherited from his ancestors and of which he himself had disposed. The walls were covered by various tools and flasks he had obtained in time.

As he gazed at them, Callman suddenly crumbled as if in pain.

“The Fire’s purpose… isn’t only destruction…”

----

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Back to Color Illustrations]]
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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter2|Forward to Chapter 2]]
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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-16T14:53:08Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-16T14:52:14Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-16T14:51:13Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-16T14:47:05Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]] - [55% Translated]
::*Chapter 2 - Cattleya
::*Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [Proofreading]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-16T14:42:01Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-16T14:39:59Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

User:ShApEsHiFt3r

2008-07-15T21:10:09Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: New page: Now my name won't be red ^^~ Planning on translating Zero no Tsukaima as I read the novel :) --~~~~

Now my name won't be red ^^~

Planning on translating Zero no Tsukaima as I read the novel :)

--[[User:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] 14:10, 15 July 2008 (PDT)

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2008-07-15T21:08:54Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉 */

To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

== List ==
===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] [[user:TheDefend|(TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 8 - None (dropped by [[user:Magus|Magus]]; [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Epilogue - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, inactive) 
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - None
::*Chapter 2 - None
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None
::*Chapter 9 - None
::*Chapter 10 - None
::*Epilogue - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None
::*Chapter 2 - None
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None
::*Chapter 9 - None
::*Chapter 10 - None
::*Epilogue - None

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]]
::*Story 6 - None
::*Extra Story - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]]
::*Story 7 - None
::*Story 8 - None
::*Epilogue - None

== Series Overview ==
*Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔
*Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン
*Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書
*Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊
*Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日
*Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石
*Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭
*Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲
*Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会
*Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者
*Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏
*Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日
*Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉
*Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女
*Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険
*Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2

[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2008-07-15T21:07:52Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉 */

To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

== List ==
===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] [[user:TheDefend|(TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 8 - None (dropped by [[user:Magus|Magus]]; [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

=== Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]], [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~)
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)
::*Epilogue - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~)

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - ShApEsHiFt3r (Omega037, inactive) 
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]]
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - None
::*Chapter 2 - None
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None
::*Chapter 9 - None
::*Chapter 10 - None
::*Epilogue - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None
::*Chapter 2 - None
::*Chapter 3 - None
::*Chapter 4 - None
::*Chapter 5 - None
::*Chapter 6 - None
::*Chapter 7 - None
::*Chapter 8 - None
::*Chapter 9 - None
::*Chapter 10 - None
::*Epilogue - None

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]]
::*Story 6 - None
::*Extra Story - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]]
::*Story 7 - None
::*Story 8 - None
::*Epilogue - None

== Series Overview ==
*Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔
*Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン
*Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書
*Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊
*Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日
*Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石
*Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭
*Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲
*Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会
*Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者
*Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏
*Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日
*Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉
*Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女
*Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険
*Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2

[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima

2008-07-15T21:00:41Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石 */

The ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%28version_fran%C3%A7aise%29|Français (French)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EItalian_Version%7E|Italiano (Italian)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_wersja_polska|Polski (Polish)]]
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Española (Spanish)]]
(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)
----
Visit the [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/index.php Baka-Tsuki Project Forum] to discuss this series and other information from Baka-Tsuki.

Baka-Tsuki Members who are interested in this series please [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248 read this].

== Updates == 
*May 08, 2008:
:* Chapter 8 and the Epilogue for volume 4 are translated by [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]].
*May 03, 2008:
:* Chapter 3 of Volume 4 is translated. Thanks to [[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]!

Older updates can be found on the [[Zero_no_Tsukaima_news_archive|ZnT news archive]].

== Translation ==
=== [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration]] ===
Translators are requested to mark all the chapters they are translating on the [[Translators_Zero_no_Tsukaima_Registration|Registration Page]] according to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline#Translation_Management|Translation Management]] section of ''Zero no Tsukaima'' [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Guideline|Project Specific Guidelines]].
=== Format Standards ===
Every chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in [[Format_guideline|Format/Style Guideline]].

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

=== Joint Collaboration ===
This Project was a [http://www.baka-tsuki.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246 joint collaboration] with the following active groups:
* [http://www.kawaiiheavens.net/ Kawaii Heavens] (who also worked on the manga version of this series)
::*Volume 1 (all chapters)


*[http://www.k-neko.net/ Kuroneko]
::*Volume 1, Chapter 1
::*Volume 1, Chapter 2

== ''Zero no Tsukaima'' series by Noboru Yamaguchi ==
===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Full_Text|Volume 1 - Zero's Familiar / ゼロの使い魔]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1_Insert_&_Back Cover|Insert & Back Cover]]
'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - I'm a Familiar]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise the Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Legend]]
'''Gandálfr'''
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - A Familiar's Day]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Kirche the Ardent]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Tristain's Arms Dealer]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Fouquet the Crumbling Earth]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume1_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - The Staff of Destruction]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Full_Text|Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - A Secret Boat]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Her Majesty's Melancholy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Childhood Friend's Request]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Port City - La Rochelle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - A Rest Day Before Leaving]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - The White Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Prince of a Dying Country]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter8_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 8 - The Eve before the Final Battle in Newcastle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume2_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - The Final Battle]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Full_Text|Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter1_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 1 - Lineage of Zero]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Louise's Lovesickness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Love Triangle]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - The Arsenal and the Royal Family]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Treasure Hunting]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter7|Chapter 7 - Dragon's Raiment]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Colbert's Laboratory]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter9|Chapter 9 - Declaration of War]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume3_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Void]]

===[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Full_Text|Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊]]===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Saint]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter2_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 2 - Saito Goes Shopping in the Triumphant Town]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - The Sailor Outfit and Louise's Jealousy]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter4_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 4 - Tabitha's Secret]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter5_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 5 - The Strength of a Love Potion]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter6_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 6 - The Water Spirit]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter7_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 7 - The Ring of Andvari]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter8|Chapter 8 - Reunion with Falsehood]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Chapter9_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 9 - Confrontation of Sadness]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume4_Epilogue|Epilogue]]

=== Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The "Charming Fairies" Inn]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Encounter with the Flame and the Friendship with the Wind]] - [25% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume5_Chapter3_%7EPreview%7E|Chapter 3 - Tristania's Holiday]]

=== Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤石===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume6_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - Homecoming]] - [30% Translated]
::*Chapter 2 - Cattleya
::*Chapter 3 - Duke de la Vallière
::*Chapter 4 - Commanding Officer Guiche and Officer Cadet Malicorne
::*Chapter 5 - Flame of Twenty Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Sortie
::*Chapter 7 - The Illusion of ダータルネス
::*Chapter 8 - The Atonement of Flame

=== Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Temperature Difference between the Two
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - The Shinto Priest of Romalia
::*Chapter 4 - The Emperor and the Secretary
::*Chapter 5 - The Ancient City of South Gotha
::*Chapter 6 - Truce
::*Chapter 7 - The Reason to Fight
::*Chapter 8 - King of Gallia
::*Chapter 9 - Rout
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Chapter10|Chapter 10 - The Place of Courage]] - [5% Translated]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume7_Epilogue|Epilogue]] - [Proofreading]

=== Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Each End of the War
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume8_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Saito's Morning]] - [20% Translated]
::*Chapter 3 - The Golden Elf
::*Chapter 4 - The Visit of the Shinto Priest
::*Chapter 5 - The Gandalfr Disappearing
::*Chapter 6 - The Nations Conference
::*Chapter 7 - Louise's Decision
::*Chapter 8 - The Users of Void
::*Chapter 9 - Myozunitonirun
::*Chapter 10 - Swordsman
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume9_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Louise's Fear
::*Chapter 2 - The Elf of the Forest
::*Chapter 3 - The Meeting and the Parting of the User
::*Chapter 4 - The Title of Chevalier
::*Chapter 5 - The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit
::*Chapter 6 - The Feelings of the Queen
::*Chapter 7 - Solicitation
::*Chapter 8 - The Ball of Sleipnir
::*Chapter 9 - The Confrontation of the 怪鳥
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume10_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - 『オストラント』号
::*Chapter 2 - Elf
::*Chapter 3 - Anxiety and Jalousy
::*Chapter 4 - The Queen and the Knights
::*Chapter 5 - Siblings
::*Chapter 6 - Six Persons in Prison
::*Chapter 7 - Settlement of the Past
::*Chapter 8 - The Old Mansion of Orleans
::*Chapter 9 - Alhambra Castle
::*Chapter 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume11_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Von Zerbst
::*Chapter 2 - The Queen and the Duke
::*Chapter 3 - Karin the Heavy Wind
::*Chapter 4 - The Vallière Family
::*Chapter 5 - New School Term
::*Chapter 6 - Private Lesson
::*Chapter 7 - The Pope of Romalia
::*Chapter 8 - Jörmungant
::*Chapter 9 - Reunion in Westwood
::*Chapter 10 - The Heart of the Duet
::*Epilogue

=== Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume12_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Prologue
'''The White Country（Albion）からの編入生'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
'''Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
'''Right To Use Saito during a Day'''
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2

=== Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - Romalia
::*Chapter 2 - Saito's Decision
::*Chapter 3 - 『オストラント』号の上で
::*Chapter 4 - 二つの騎士隊
::*Chapter 5 - The Persuasion of the Pope
::*Chapter 6 - Long Spear
::*Chapter 7 - World Door
::*Chapter 8 - Meaning of the Smile
::*Epilogue

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===

::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume14_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1 - The Flower Bed Squadron’s Rebellion
::*Chapter 2 - The Third Annual Enthronement Ceremony
::*Chapter 3 - An Elven Gandalfr
::*Chapter 4 - The City of Water or The Capital/Metropolis of Water
::*Chapter 5 - Six Thousand Years Ago
::*Chapter 6 - Tiger Street 虎=Tiger 街道=Main Road/Highway
::*Chapter 7 - Aquileia’s Saint/Holy Woman
::*Chapter 8 - The Steel Tiger
::*Chapter 9 - The Memory of the Bond
::*Epilogue

=== Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume1_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*Story 1 - Tabitha and the Pterosaur
::*Story 2 - Tabitha and the Vampire
::*Story 3 - Tabitha and the Assassin
::*Story 4 - Tabitha and the Magic Doll

=== Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Illustrations|Color Illustrations]]
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_Story5|Story 5 - Tabitha and the Gambler]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 6 - Tabitha and the Minotaur
::*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Side_Story_Volume2_ExtraChapter|Extra Chapter - A Day in the Life of Sylphid]] - [100% Translated]
::*Story 7 - Tabitha and the Bird of Paradise
::*Story 8 - Tabitha and the Naval Port

== Project Staff ==
*Project Administrator: [[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:Vaelis|Vaelis]]

=== Translators ===
'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Momogan|Momogan]]
::*[[user:Serenade_beta|Serenade beta]]
::*[[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]]
::*[[user:Trewth|Trewth ]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Claies|Claies]]
::*[[user:christof|christof]]
::*[[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]

'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]]
::*[[user:Nidema|Nidema]]
::*[[user:SaiyaJedi|SaiyaJedi]] <- aka "SaitoFromEarth"
::*[[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.
They will regularly patrol the projects to prevent vandalism & make sure the guidelines are implemented. If you have any inquiries about certain edits please contact any one of the members.

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:Onizuka-gto|Onizuka-gto]]
::*[[user:Matt122004|Matt122004]]
::*[[user:DeotoxSlayer|DeotoxSlayer]]
'''A.W.O.L'''
::*[[user:Bicube|Bicube]]
::*[[user:BaKaFiSh|BaKaFiSh]]
::*[[user:Rednal|Rednal]]
::*[[user:Se-chan|Se-Chan]]
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:Darkoneko|Darkoneko]]
'''M.I.A'''
::*[[user:Nandeyanen|Nandeyanen]]
'''K.I.A'''
::*[[user:Da~Mike|Da~Mike]]
::*[[user:BlckKnght|BlckKnght]]
::*[[user:Crowkenobi|Crowkenobi]]
::*[[user:Andiyar|Andiyar]]

== Series Overview ==

* Volume 1 - ''Zero's Familiar'' / ゼロの使い魔 (published June 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1105-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1105-8)
* Volume 2 - ''Albion of the Wind'' / 風のアルビオン (published September 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1144-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1144-7)
* Volume 3 - ''The Founder's Prayer Book'' / 始祖の祈祷書 (published December 25, 2004; ISBN 4-8401-1196-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1196-6)
* Volume 4 - ''The Water Spirit of Oath'' / 誓約の水精霊 (published March 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1236-3 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1236-9)
* Volume 5 - ''Tristania's Holiday'' / トリスタニアの休日 (published July 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1290-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1290-1)
* Volume 6 - ''The Ruby of Atonement'' / 贖罪の炎赤石 (published November 25, 2005; ISBN 4-8401-1449-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1449-3)
* Volume 7 - ''The Silver Pentecost'' / 銀の降臨祭 (published February 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1501-X and ISBN 978-4-8401-1501-8)
* Volume 8 - ''The Serenade of Nostalgia'' / 望郷の小夜曲 (published June 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1542-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1542-1)
* Volume 9 - ''The Ball of Twin Moons'' / 双月の舞踏会 (published September 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1707-1 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1707-4)
* Volume 10 - ''The Hero of Ivaldi'' / イーヴァルディの勇者 (published December 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1766-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1766-1)
* Volume 11 - ''A Duet of Recollection'' / 追憶の二重奏 (published May 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1859-0 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1859-0)
* Volume 12 - ''The Fairies' Holiday'' / 妖精達の休日 (published August 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-1900-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1900-9)
* Volume 13 - ''The World Door of the Holy Country'' / 聖国の世界扉 (published December 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2110-9 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2110-1)
* Volume 14 - ''Aquileia's Saint'' / 水都市の聖女 (published May 25, 2008; ISBN 4-8401-2319-5 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2319-8)
* Side Story Volume 1 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険 (published October 25, 2006; ISBN 4-8401-1726-8 and ISBN 978-4-8401-1726-5)
* Side Story Volume 2 - ''Tabitha's Adventure'' / タバサの冒険2 (published October 25, 2007; ISBN 4-8401-2058-7 and ISBN 978-4-8401-2058-6)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-15T20:59:53Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-15T20:57:46Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-15T20:57:01Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-15T20:55:23Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume6 Chapter1

2008-07-15T20:51:32Z

ShApEsHiFt3r: /* Chapter One: Homecoming */